Natuna prepares integrated junior high school in Selaut for 2026/2027
This will spare elementary graduates in Desa Selaut a more than 30-minute sea crossing to continue their studies elsewhere.
Natuna Regency is preparing a junior high school under an integrated school model in Desa Selaut, Kepulauan Riau, starting in the 2026/2027 school year. Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan said the format was chosen for sparsely populated areas because elementary and junior high schools can operate at one location, reducing building construction costs and staffing needs. In the initial phase, classes will use the building of SD Negeri 007 Selaut. Selaut currently has only an elementary school, with each class having fewer than 10 students, and about six students per class. Elementary graduates must continue school in other areas by sea on a speedboat trip of more than 30 minutes. Cen said the presence of a junior high school in Selaut is also expected to reduce the risk of sea accidents and prevent families from moving away from the village for their children's education.