BLITAR – KDMP school demolition controversy in Blitar has sparked criticism from a government administration observer. The debate centers on the use of former elementary school buildings for the Village Red and White Cooperative program.
Public concern increased after several unused school buildings underwent demolition. Residents questioned whether officials had completed the legal transfer process before the work started.
The issue emerged after the Blitar regional secretary issued a letter regarding the planned use of former public school assets for the KDMP program.
Beti Wirandini, a government administration observer, said the letter contained wording that could create multiple interpretations during implementation in the field. According to her, local officials should draft administrative documents more carefully because the issue involves education facilities and public services.
“If the letter still states that the asset transfer must go through a grant mechanism according to existing regulations, that means the administrative process has not fully finished,” Beti said.
She stressed that local authorities should avoid demolition before finishing every legal and administrative stage. According to her, the main problem does not involve the KDMP program itself. Instead, the concern focuses on governance standards and policy implementation.
Beti explained that government officials often treat letters from regional authorities as strong legal guidance for technical actions in the field. Because of that, she believes officials must ensure that administrative language remains clear and does not encourage premature decisions.
“In government administration, authorities must uphold caution and legal certainty,” she said. “The issue becomes even more sensitive when it involves schools and children’s access to education.”
The controversy grew after residents learned that several educational facilities had already undergone dismantling. The situation triggered public questions about whether the government had fully completed grant procedures and asset management processes before demolition began.
Beti urged the Blitar administration to provide transparent explanations to prevent wider public distrust. She warned that unclear procedures could create the impression that officials carried out administrative formalities only after removing the buildings.
“What the public needs now is administrative transparency and recovery of educational facilities,” she said.
She also reminded local authorities that village development and economic empowerment programs should not undermine education services. According to Beti, the government must balance infrastructure or economic initiatives with protection of public education rights.
“Development matters, but education should not become the side that suffers without a clear solution,” she added. “The government needs to ensure both priorities move forward together.”
The KDMP program aims to strengthen village economies through cooperative-based development. However, the ongoing debate in Blitar highlights growing concerns about governance practices, legal procedures, and the protection of public facilities during policy implementation.