REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PONTIANAK -- The Indonesian government will build 15 dormitories for students in border areas across the country next year, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.

"I hope five of the dormitories will be built in five districts in West Kalimantan province which border the Malaysian state of Serawak," said Zulfadhli, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X, on the sidelines of the commission's working visit to Pontianak.

The five districts in West Kalimantan which share a border with Malaysia are Sambas, Bengkayang, Sanggau, Sintang, and Kapuas Hulu.

The government's plan for dormitories is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on students living in border areas, he stated.

"It is likely the dormitories will accommodate elementary to senior high school students," observed Zulfadhli, who is also a member of the Golkar Party faction at the DPR.

Lack of infrastructure has made it difficult for children in border areas to pursue higher education, he said.

"Imagine, they have to walk for hours just to attend school," he added.

A shortage of teachers also poses an obstacle to developing the education sector in border areas, he stated.

The building of dormitories will enable students to focus on their studies, he explained.

Moreover, they will get a chance to catch up with students from the rest of the country, he added.

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