BLITAR – The KDMP School Project has sparked fresh controversy after plans threatened to remove key facilities at SDN Tegalrejo 01 in Selopuro district. Parents, school committees, and local residents have voiced strong opposition, warning the project could disrupt learning activities.
The dispute marks the second case after a similar issue at SDN Tlogo 02. This time, the proposed Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) development in Tegalrejo village has raised concerns over its impact on school infrastructure.
Sutamam, deputy head of the SDN Tegalrejo 01 school committee, said the community supports the government’s program in principle. However, he stressed that the project should not come at the expense of educational facilities.
“We do not reject the government program. We support it fully. However, we cannot accept the demolition of school buildings,” he said on Monday (May 4).
According to him, the KDMP School Project would affect several essential facilities, including the principal’s office, teachers’ room, and computer laboratory. He warned that losing these facilities could harm the school’s accreditation status, which requires complete infrastructure.
“Educational institutions must meet specific standards. We cannot simply remove or repurpose these facilities,” he added.
Meanwhile, officials previously suggested that the project would use unused space within the school. However, the school committee rejected that claim, stating that all facilities remain active and support daily learning activities.
Sutamam urged authorities to verify conditions directly instead of relying on incomplete information.
“If there are unused rooms, they should check them on-site. In reality, all facilities are still in use,” he said.
The committee has raised objections in several meetings with village authorities and government representatives. Despite multiple discussions, both sides have failed to reach an agreement. In fact, committee members walked out of the latest meeting in protest.
The community also fears that the large-scale KDMP development would reduce open spaces within the school. These areas currently serve as playgrounds and venues for physical activities and ceremonies.
At the same time, parents and nearby residents have joined the protest. They have installed banners rejecting the project along the school’s perimeter following the latest meeting.
Sutamam emphasized that the resistance reflects genuine concerns from parents rather than organized pressure. He insisted that the community will continue to oppose the project to protect students’ learning environment.
“This is a real concern from parents. They want their children to study in a safe and comfortable environment. We will stand firm. Education must continue without disruption,” he said.
As tensions continue, the KDMP School Project highlights the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with the protection of educational spaces in local communities.