TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung administration is still waiting for approval from the Brantas River Basin Agency (BBWS Brantas) before it can start the Sekolah Rakyat (Rakyat School) project.

Acting Tulungagung Regent Ahmad Baharudin said the permit is essential because the planned school site sits near a river area. The government also plans to build a bridge that will connect the road to the future campus.

“To build the bridge at the Sekolah Rakyat site, we must first obtain permission from BBWS Brantas,” Baharudin said on Tuesday.

He confirmed that officials are still processing the permit application. The Tulungagung administration hopes the approval can come soon so construction work can move forward without delay.

Baharudin added that the local government has coordinated directly with Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul. The discussion focused on the continuation of the Sekolah Rakyat project in Tulungagung.

According to him, the ministry encouraged local officials to speed up the licensing process. The government wants all administrative requirements completed before construction begins.

The project site is located on the eastern side of the Ringinpitu low-cost apartment complex in Kedungwaru district. Because the area lies close to the river, the bridge has become an important part of the project plan.

“There are still several requirements that we must complete. The main priority right now is the permit from BBWS Brantas,” Baharudin said.

If the process runs smoothly, the government plans to begin construction in October 2026. Indonesia’s Public Works Ministry will fund the project, including land preparation and school building development.

The Tulungagung administration expects the Sekolah Rakyat project to strengthen education access in the region. Officials also believe the school can support future educational needs for local residents.

Baharudin said Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf is scheduled to visit Tulungagung in August. The minister plans to inspect the proposed construction site directly.

Although construction could start later this year, the school will not operate immediately. Officials estimate teaching and learning activities will begin during the 2027/2028 academic year.