BLITAR – The controversy surrounding the SDN Tlogo 02 school demolition continues to draw attention in Blitar. Local lawmakers have criticized the removal of part of the school’s facilities before replacement classrooms became available.
The demolition relates to the construction of a Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) project. Members of the Blitar Regency Council (DPRD) said the move contradicted an earlier agreement between stakeholders.
Sugeng Suroso, chairman of Commission IV of the Blitar Regency Council, said all parties had agreed to wait until replacement facilities were ready before dismantling any classrooms.
However, the project proceeded before the new building was available.
“We had asked officials not to demolish the building before a replacement facility was ready. Unfortunately, the structure was already torn down,” Sugeng said.
According to Sugeng, the council attempted to delay the demolition. The effort failed because construction work continued.
As a result, lawmakers have shifted their attention toward solving the issue and preventing further problems.
The council is now focusing on two priorities. The first is securing legal certainty over the land and assets involved in the project. The second is accelerating the construction of replacement classrooms.
Sugeng stressed that educational activities at SDN Tlogo 02 must remain the main concern.
A recent hearing involving parents, school committee members, school officials, and the education department produced a commitment to build replacement classrooms through the 2026 revised regional budget.
The Blitar Regency Government plans to allocate around Rp 376 million for the project.
“We will monitor the proposed budget for replacement classrooms and ensure it moves forward through the revised budget process. Education services must continue without disruption,” Sugeng said.
The government is also processing the legal status of land used for the KDMP project.
Under the current plan, the required land will become a village asset. Meanwhile, officials will certify the remaining school grounds as assets of the regional government.
This step will provide clear legal boundaries and ownership status for each area.
“Residents do not need to worry. The asset boundaries will be clearly defined because each area will have its own certificate,” Sugeng explained.
The certification process aims to prevent future disputes involving school property. Lawmakers hope it will reassure parents and local residents that no additional school land will be allocated for other purposes.
Sugeng also responded to reports claiming that KDMP projects cannot use land designated for educational purposes.
He said he is still reviewing the regulations related to the issue. Nevertheless, he believes technical guidelines exist to regulate land use for KDMP development.
“I have not yet reviewed the official regulation. But I believe there are technical guidelines, and we need to examine them further,” he said.
Overall, the council remains committed to overseeing both the replacement classroom project and the asset certification process. Officials say those measures are necessary to protect students, maintain learning activities, and provide legal certainty for all parties involved.