BLITAR – KDMP school controversy in Blitar is escalating, as education leaders strongly oppose plans to build a village cooperative project on active school grounds.
The dispute centers on a proposal to construct the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) at SDN Tegalrejo 01 in Selopuro. As a result, the Blitar Regency Education Council has stepped in and formally asked the local parliament (DPRD) to help find a solution. A similar issue has also affected SDN Tlogo 2, where infrastructure faces disruption from the same project.
Rahmad Khudori, chairman of the Blitar Education Council, said his organization and the local chapter of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) firmly reject the plan. Therefore, they plan to hold hearings with the regent and the DPRD’s Commission IV. Moreover, they are ready to escalate the issue to the East Java provincial parliament and even Indonesia’s House of Representatives if needed.
In addition, the East Java Provincial Education Council is expected to visit the site soon. The visit aims to assess conditions on the ground, which officials describe as increasingly concerning. The school, a long-standing institution in the community, now faces the risk of partial demolition.
Meanwhile, anxiety has begun to spread among teachers, school leaders, and parents. Many fear the project will disrupt teaching and learning activities. “There is clear psychological pressure. Teachers and parents are worried about possible demolition,” Rahmad said.
He acknowledged that the pressure may not be direct. However, he noted that the government’s priority status for the KDMP program has created strong psychological tension among stakeholders.
Rahmad also questioned the outcome of a recent village deliberation (musdes), which reportedly showed majority support for the project. However, he argued the meeting lacked full representation. The school committee walked out during the session, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the decision.
According to him, the walkout reflects a valid form of protest that authorities must consider. Therefore, the Education Council supports the committee’s stance and urges policymakers to review the decision carefully.
Despite the opposition, Rahmad stressed that he does not reject the KDMP program itself. Instead, he opposes any development that sacrifices existing education facilities. In his view, authorities must prioritize schools that continue to serve students.
“We support the program in principle. However, do not build one initiative by destroying another, especially education,” he said. He added that removing school facilities would harm students who still rely on the buildings for daily learning.
The controversy highlights a broader challenge in balancing development and public services. Observers say the final decision will test how far authorities can protect education while pursuing national strategic projects.