Dutch tourists pitch in to help fix Baturraden school buildings

By Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto

Several Dutch tourists have pitched in to help rebuild damaged school buildings in Baturraden district, Banyumas regency, Central Java.

Through the Tileng Foundation, the tourists have contributed a total of Rp 600 million (US$66,600) to renovate state elementary school Kemutug Lor I's buildings, give extra allowances to teachers and provide scholarships for needy students.

Tileng Foundation head Tone AC Lange, 60, a Dutch citizen, and his colleagues opened eight renovated school buildings at the Baturraden tourist resort on Monday.

Lange said he was interested in helping with the renovation of the school buildings mainly because of the kindness of the people living near Baturraden.

"I saw that many children in the tourist sites had dropped out of school and were forced to sell souvenirs. That's why I'm committed to helping them continue their studies," he said on the sidelines of the opening ceremony.

"I'm very impressed by the children and all the local residents, who are kind and friendly. I hope our assistance is beneficial for them," Lange told The Jakarta Post.

Lange arrived in Baturraden for the first time in 2001 as a tourist.

"I met Tekad Santosa, my guide here. He talked about many things, especially about the poor living conditions of parents who are unable to send their children to school," he said.

After learning more from Tekad, 37, Lange decided to take part in helping with the education of elementary school students in Baturraden.

"Yes, I'm very grateful for the assistance from Pak Lange to the children here," said Tekad, who is also coordinator of the Baturraden Tourism Community.

"The school buildings now stand strong, teachers are getting additional allowances and the children, especially those from poor families, can continue their studies."

Tekad explained that with the help of the group of Dutch tourists, the renovations of the school buildings started in 2004. All of the buildings had been in a poor condition.

"As of Aug. 4, 2008, the Tileng Foundation has earmarked Rp 600 million for the renovation of the school buildings here," he said.

Part of the donation was used for allowances for teachers, he said, with teachers getting an average of Rp 500,000 per month.

Tekad said the fund was also used to help pay school fees for students from needy families through to high school.

"If they do well at school, maybe they can be sent to university too," he said.

School principal Hidayaturrohman expressed gratitude to the Dutch tourists for caring about education in Baturraden.

"I feel lucky to get this kind of assistance. Usually the government just provides aid of no more than Rp 5 million for renovations and the procedures to get it are very complicated and time-consuming," Hidayaturrohman said.

The Tileng Foundation provided further funds to build a mushola (place of worship) and a kindergarten facility at the school.