BLITAR – SDN Tlogo 2 renovation plan is moving forward as the village government continues building a cooperative on part of the school grounds, despite mounting criticism.

Workers have closed off sections of the school area with metal barriers to start construction of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP). However, students still use the remaining classrooms for daily lessons.

Tlogo Village Head Sumaji said the school can continue operating because the project only uses part of the land. He confirmed that the village, the Blitar Education Agency, and the regency government have agreed on a renovation plan.

“We will clean and renovate former classrooms from SD Tlogo 1 using education funds,” Sumaji said on Wednesday (April 23). “These rooms will replace the ones used for the project.”

At the same time, officials plan to submit the renovation budget through a regional budget revision. Sumaji said he had coordinated the plan with the education agency.

The school still serves 182 students during construction. However, the project has already taken over several classrooms, which has raised concerns among local stakeholders.

Sugeng Suroso, chairman of Commission IV of the Blitar Regional House of Representatives, criticized the decision. He said the project disrupts teaching and learning activities.

“This project interferes with students’ education. The village has other land assets, but they insist on using this site,” he said.

He also questioned why officials chose the school area instead of alternative locations. According to him, the government should prioritize a safe and comfortable learning environment.

“If the project continues here, the government must provide proper replacement facilities,” he added. “Students deserve a better place to study.”

The case reflects growing tension between development plans and education needs, as the SDN Tlogo 2 renovation plan continues alongside the cooperative project.