KBRN, Banda Aceh: The Aceh Administration has confirmed that all teaching and learning activities for the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year will begin simultaneously on January 5, 2026.

This was conveyed by the Regional Secretary of Aceh, M. Nasir. He emphasized that infrastructure constraints resulting from meteorological disasters should not be a reason to deny Acehnese children their right to education.

Based on the most recent information from the Aceh Provincial Meteorological Disaster Mitigation Post, 214 of the 555 high schools in Aceh were impacted by floods and landslides. The areas most severely affected are Aceh Tamiang, Langsa City, North Aceh, and Pidie Jaya Regency.

"With 78 schools classified as severely damaged, the situation on the ground is indeed difficult. I have, however, mandated that teaching and learning continue. Education must be present as a provider of certainty in the midst of a disaster," said M. Nasir, in his statement on Monday, December 29, 2025, as reported by Aceh Province Public Relations official website.

According to M. Nasir, in addition to serving as a channel for knowledge transmission, school activities are an essential component of the psychological healing process for students affected by the catastrophe.

"Students' presence at school will help them return to a normal rhythm of life, which is an important part of post-disaster recovery. Being in school helps students get back into a regular rhythm of life, which is a crucial component of post-disaster rehabilitation," he continued.

Murthalamuddin, the acting head of the Aceh Education Agency and the spokesperson for the Disaster Mitigation Post, has officially instructed all high school principals in Aceh to implement this.

"We have told schools that have sustained significant damage that makes classrooms unusable to utilize emergency facilities. Teaching and learning should not be interrupted. We have instructed school administrators to make sure that temporary classrooms are accessible so that pupils may continue attending classes as planned," he said. 

Additionally, he highlighted teachers' role in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Teachers will initially focus on helping students recover emotionally. Teachers are instructed to use a persuasive approach rather than immediately overloading students with complex material.

"At this moment, teachers play a dual role: they are educators and psychosocial support for their pupils. We urge teachers to prioritize a persuasive strategy and psychologically engage students to bring back their passion for learning," he said. ***