Banjarmasin, Indonesia Sentinel — Banjarmasin, a city in South Kalimantan, is grappling with severe flooding that has impacted 41 elementary schools across multiple districts. The most affected area is Banjarmasin Selatan, where 24 schools have reported flooding. Other districts like Banjarmasin Timur and Banjarmasin Utara have also been hit, with 15 and 5 schools impacted, respectively.
The floodwaters vary in depth, ranging from ankle-deep to nearly knee-high in some areas. Ibnul Qayyim, Head of the Elementary Education Division at the Banjarmasin Education Office, highlighted the challenges posed by the persistent heavy rainfall. “The water level varies depending on the location. With continuous rain, the situation remains critical,” Qayyim explained on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Banjarmasin Flood Damage to School Facilities
Flooding has damaged several school facilities, with schoolyards suffering the most severe impact. Despite the extent of the flooding, schools have been proactive in protecting vital assets like electronic equipment. “We instructed schools to move electronic devices to safer locations, and so far, they have avoided significant damage,” Qayyim added.
Transition to Distance Learning
As a result of the flooding, seven schools have already transitioned to distance learning (PJJ), primarily in the heavily affected district of Banjarmasin Selatan. The shift ensures that students can continue their education without risking their safety.
“We’ve issued official letters to approve the move to distance learning. However, we are evaluating the situation every three days to determine whether conditions have improved enough for students to return to school,” Qayyim said.
List of Banjarmasin flood Affected Schools
The following is a breakdown of the affected schools across the districts:
Banjarmasin Tengah
- SDN Teluk Dalam 12
- SDN Teluk Dalam 7
- SDN Pasar Lama 6
- SD Kartika V-6
Banjarmasin Timur
- SDN Sungai Lulut 6
- SDN Benua Anyar 8
- SDN Pemurus Luar 1
- SDN Kuripan 1
- SDN Sungai Lulut 1
- SDN Pengambangan 10
- SDN Karang Mekar 9
- SDN Pekapuran Raya 5
- Others
Banjarmasin Barat
- SDN Telawang 3
- SDN Kuin Selatan 4
Banjarmasin Utara
- SDN Alalak Utara 1
- SDN Sungai Miai 4
- Others
Banjarmasin Selatan
- SDN Pemurus Dalam 1-8
- SDN Kelayan Timur 2
- SD Islam Al Falah
- SDTIQ Imam Syafi’i
- Others
Local Government Response
The local government has ramped up efforts to address the flooding, including deploying pumps to mitigate water accumulation in school areas. However, with continued rainfall, officials face an uphill battle.
Residents and school administrators have been urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. The government is also working to support schools in repairing damaged infrastructure and ensuring that students have access to essential learning tools during this challenging period.
As the rainy season continues, the authorities and the community will need to collaborate to minimize disruptions to education while addressing the underlying issues contributing to frequent flooding in Banjarmasin.
(Becky)
