In Majalengka, West Java, the local government is facing a setback in its educational initiatives. Regent Eman Suherman has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the contractor responsible for the Sekolah Rakyat (SR), or People's School, construction project, which has significantly fallen behind schedule.
Project Timeline and Delays
The project, which was originally slated for completion by September 25, 2025, remains unfinished. This delay has caused disruptions to the planned academic calendar. Regent Eman Suherman voiced his disappointment during an unannounced inspection (sidak) of the SR construction site located at the Sanggar Kegiatan Belajar (SKB) building in Majalengka Kulon on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Impact on School Activities
The delays have directly affected the crucial Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS), or school environment introduction period, for new students. This is a critical period to welcome new students and help them adjust to their new school.
Regent's Concerns and Public Reaction
The Regent highlighted the disruption to the MPLS, which was originally scheduled to begin on October 2nd. Due to the unfinished construction, the start date has been postponed to October 9th. He emphasized the adverse impact on the community, stating, “The community is at a loss, children are waiting, parents are disappointed, educators are ready, there are already 100 students, but the target is not achieved.”
Criticism of Contractor's Performance
Regent Eman Suherman criticized the contractor's performance, accusing them of neglecting their responsibility to maintain public trust. He stated, “They won the contract from the ministry, coming all the way from Tasik, but the work in Majalengka is not completed on time. This must be a lesson.”
Contractor's Explanation and Revised Timeline
Fery Ramdoni, the field supervisor for the contractor, provided an update on the project's progress. He indicated that approximately 90% of the physical construction is complete. The primary obstacle is the delivery of furniture for the dormitories and laboratories.
Furniture Procurement Challenges
Ramdoni explained, “If the physical building is finished, it's just a matter of finishing touches. The obstacle is the furniture; only 50% has been delivered. The goods are from Bandung, but yesterday they were prioritized for Indramayu and Cirebon, so it's delayed here.” The contractor aims to finalize all construction and furniture installations by October 7, 2025. This would allow the MPLS at the Sekolah Rakyat Majalengka to begin on October 9, 2025, according to the new schedule.
Community Impact and Future Implications
The delay in the school's completion has had a direct impact on the students, parents, and educators involved. The community is now anxiously awaiting the school's opening. This situation highlights the importance of efficient project management and timely completion in public works.
The Regent's strong response underscores the local government's commitment to ensuring quality educational facilities for the community. The delayed project serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and efficient project execution. The outcome of this situation will determine whether the students of Majalengka can start their classes on time or if the delays will continue to be a concern. It is important to understand how projects like these directly impact the lives of the citizens they are meant to serve.