KBRN, Aceh Tamiang: The education sector in the disaster-affected areas is starting to show recovery, marking the first day of school at the beginning of 2026.

Although the infrastructure hasn't fully recovered, the students' enthusiasm to return to their studies has become a symbol of Acehnese society's resilience in facing natural disasters.

During a working visit and flag-raising ceremony in Aceh Tamiang on Monday (1/5/2026), the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, delivered a message on character building for all school members. He emphasized that the disaster they experienced should be seen as a learning process to shape stronger and more resilient individuals.

"Disasters are not punishments, disasters are lessons that forge us into strong human beings, into patient human beings, resilient human beings, and creative human beings capable of overcoming various problems with full confidence," Abdul Mu'ti stated.

Addressing the condition of the still-damaged infrastructure, such as desks and chairs that cannot be fully used, the minister encouraged the teaching and learning process to continue. He instructed the teaching staff to remain creative in utilizing the available space so that children's right to education would still be met during the recovery period.

That spirit is capable of overcoming all limitations, and those ideals are capable of overcoming all shortcomings. Even if the tables and chairs might not be usable yet, studying on the floor will do. "I urge all my children to be spirited, you can all do it and you are all great Indonesian generations," Abdul Mu'ti said.

On the policy side, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education affirmed that the ministry has prepared concrete steps thru the allocation of a special budget. The government will prioritize schools that have suffered severe damage to receive immediate physical construction assistance to ensure comfortable learning and teaching activities in the future.