Why Sustainable Education Buildings Matter for Indonesia Future

Jakarta, April 2025 – As Indonesia pushes for a more resilient and eco-friendly future, sustainable school infrastructure is emerging as a critical factor in improving learning outcomes, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring long-term cost efficiency. Reports from the World Bank, UNICEF, and Indonesia’s Ministry of Education highlight the growing importance of green schools in the country’s education transformation.

The Case for Sustainable School Buildings

1. Better Learning Environments

• Studies by UNICEF (2023) show that classrooms with natural lighting, proper ventilation, and low noise pollution improve student performance by up to 20%.
• The Ministry of Education (2024) reports that schools built with eco-friendly designs report lower absenteeism due to heat and poor air quality, especially in tropical climates like Indonesia.

2. Reducing Carbon Footprint & Energy Costs

• According to the World Bank (2023), Indonesia’s education sector accounts for 5% of public building energy consumption.
• Sustainable schools using solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient designs can cut energy costs by 30-50%, as seen in pilot projects in Bandung and Bali.

3. Disaster Resilience for a Vulnerable Archipelago

• Indonesia faces high risks of earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather.
• The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB, 2023) emphasizes that earthquake-resistant and flood-adaptive school designs can save lives and ensure continuity of learning.

4. Teaching Sustainability to the Next Generation

• Green schools serve as living laboratories for environmental education.
• A 2023 UNESCO study found that students in sustainable schools are more likely to adopt eco-friendly habits, supporting Indonesia’s Net Zero 2060 goal.

 

Challenges in Implementation

• High Initial Costs: Retrofitting old schools or building new green facilities requires significant investment.
• Limited Expertise: Many regions lack architects and engineers trained in sustainable construction.
• Policy Gaps: While the Ministry of Public Works (2024) has green building guidelines, enforcement remains inconsistent.

Investing in sustainable education buildings is a win-win for Indonesia, boosting student performance, cutting long-term costs, and fighting climate change. With stronger policies and international support, green schools can become the norm rather than the exception.