Students at Sekolah Rakyat Urged to Be Humble and Care for the Environment

PARLIAMENTARY, Banyuwangi – Ina Ammania, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, called on students at Sekolah Rakyat (SR) to develop a sense of ownership toward the educational facilities provided by the government. They should demonstrate this care by keeping the facilities clean, maintaining school infrastructure, and developing independence and social empathy from an early age.

Ina said that students should be grateful for adequate educational facilities and use them responsibly. However, they should also be mindful of other schools that have not received similar support, so they do not develop an excessive sense of entitlement over the privileges they have been given.

"We hope this does not make them jealous of other schools whose facilities may not be as complete as those at this SR. Therefore, students must remain humble," Ina said during a working visit by Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives to Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) I Banyuwangi in Muncar District, East Java, on Friday (13/11/2026).

As a practical way to instill these values, the legislator representing East Java III encouraged students to take an active role in keeping the school and dormitory clean and caring for their surroundings. She said these activities should be part of their daily routine to foster discipline, responsibility, and independence.

She emphasized that the presence of janitorial staff and other support personnel did not mean that responsibility for maintaining the school environment should be left entirely to them. Instead, students should be encouraged to contribute in ways that match their abilities and individual responsibilities.

"They should have a regular schedule for tasks such as cleaning the bathrooms, bedrooms, classrooms, and grounds. Gardeners, office boys, and cleaning staff are there to help, but SR students remain responsible for keeping the school clean," she explained.

The school administration backed the idea of building character by encouraging students to care for their school environment. However, several facilities still need improvements from the relevant ministry to make learning and daily life more comfortable for students.

Winarno, principal of the elementary and junior high schools at SRT I Banyuwangi, said one issue requiring attention was the improvement of sanitation facilities in the dormitory area. He said some bathrooms still needed repairs to ensure they could be used properly.

"In some bathrooms, the floor drainage is not yet adequate, so water does not flow smoothly," Winarno said.

In addition to sanitation facilities, the school has proposed installing security grilles in the computer lab to protect learning equipment. Curtains are also needed in classrooms to make lessons more comfortable and prevent disruption from dust and sunlight.

Winarno also expressed hope for support to plant more greenery across the school’s approximately seven-hectare grounds. The school is located in the coastal area of Muncar, where temperatures are relatively warm.

"We hope to receive support for planting more trees, which would improve oxygen circulation and make the school environment cooler for the children," he concluded. (ams/ssb)