SDN Semanan 04, Champion of Aids Management

SD Semanan 04 West Jakarta

State Elementary School (SDN) Semanan 04 Pagi, is located in the western corner of Jakarta, close to the city of Tangerang, Banten Province. Although located on the outskirts of the capital, but this school has high achievements. SDN Semanan 04 Pagi succeeded as the winner of   Operational Aid to School Program (BOS) Competition 2016, organized by Directorate General of Primary and Secondary Education Ministry of Education and Culture.

SDN Semanan 04 stands on Jalan Gaga Utama Rt.004 / RW.09, Semanan Sub-district, Kalideres Sub-district, West Jakarta Municipality, DKI Jakarta Province. The school is located in this densely populated neighborhood, standing on a land of 2,700 m2. The three-story building is in the form of kebaya house typical of Betawi with beige color and dark brown tile, look harmonious. Overall, the school looks neat and well groomed. Bins are available at some point in the schoolyard. No garbage strewn

This row of Pucuk Merah trees stand like fence protecting the school building. Pots containing a variety of plants fill the hallway to the corners of other schools. Part of the cost of the school's arrangement is funded by BOS such as to buy crops, farm equipment, pots and so on.

Arriving at SD Negeri Semanan 04, we are friendly greeted by the school principal, Parini, beautiful woman in hijab.  In the neat workroom, she explained the background of why his school became a national champion in the management of BOS funds.

Parini did not expect the school to be the 1st champion of the BOS Governance competition. "Subhanallah, it's like a dream.  Hopefully we can keep this achievement, hopefully we can continue to improve to be better," said Parini.

Parini explaines, the first time she came in SD Negeri Semanan 04, in 2014, the school actually has facilities and infrastructure completely. However, the condition of the school is not taken care of. "The garden smells higher than my body," she said. "Many rooms are unused, just locked, empty, even dust as thick as 6 cm more," said Parini. Conditions like that, making the existing facilities even redundant. "The government has built this grand building, but it is not well maintained," she said.

According to Parini, one of the factors that led his school to win the BOS Governance event was due to the management of accountable and transparent fund. In addition, the use of BOS is really proven to improve the quality, both academically and non-academically. "Maybe that's what the management BOS in here is different from other schools," said the woman who has hobby of telling pantun, Indonesian traditional poem.

Parini says, in the first step, many teachers are skeptic with her plan to reorganizing management of BOS. They said BOS fund management was only the responsibility of the principal and treasurer. "Although not easy, but I want to change the paradigm like that," she said.

To change the mindset for teachers to actively participate in the management of BOS funds, the principal must be a model. She tried to invite the teachers to be involved in the management of BOS funds.

The first step, Parini gathered all the teachers in a room. Then she gave a piece of paper, and asked all teachers to give advice related to school operations and the use of BOS funds. "Each class has different needs, “ said a woman born in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta on April 12, 1971.

Parini is also involved the BOS Committee which collecting parents. "The management team is not only a committee, but each class is represented by five parents," said Parini.  

The parents are happy with the BOS. They assess the BOS funds make the burden of parents very lightened. One of parent, Tahluri Usman said that during this time he was never charged a penny by the school. "My job is only encourage children to be diligent and the spirit of school. In addition to BOS assisted, I also feel helped by Jakarta Smart Card, "she said.

Usman said that in SD Negeri Semanan 04, parents are always invited to attend the meeting, to know about the program and the use of BOS funds. According to Usman, the physical condition of the school is very good,   cafeteria is healthy.

Another parent. Muliana, said it was never charged anything. "Even for grade VI students who will face the National Standard School Exam (USBN) also always follow the additional lesson for material compaction and no charge a penny," he said.

Treasurer of School Committee, Suharlin stated that his side always involved in managing BOS. "We are excited to be involved in determining the activities and programs that will be implemented by the school," he said.

Now teachers and parents in SDN 04 Semanan Pagi do not hesitate to plan, implement and evaluate the management of BOS funds for the progress of their students.  

written by Taufik Ismail (translated by Rihad)

(This article is published in Primary School Magazine May 2017 edition)