Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to overcoming extreme poverty through real steps. One of the strategic initiatives that is now being implemented is the construction of 200 People’s Schools which are targeted for completion in 2025. This program is expected to be a foundation in opening up more equitable and inclusive access to education for poor people throughout the country.
Minister of State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi, said that the construction of hundreds of People’s Schools is part of the government’s grand strategy to eradicate extreme poverty. He ensured that in terms of funding, this program will not encounter significant obstacles.
“The central government has prepared a special budget allocation, and its implementation will be carried out together with local governments at the district/city level. The main focus of development is in areas with high poverty rates,” said Prasetyo.
This collaborative step has received full support from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR). Minister of PUPR, Dody Hanggodo, revealed that the location for the construction of People’s Schools has been determined based on Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 8 of 2025 concerning the acceleration of overcoming and eliminating extreme poverty.
“Priority areas such as Central Java, East Java, West Java, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Lampung. We also ensure that the schools built will use earthquake-resistant building technology, so that they are safe and comfortable for teaching and learning activities,” explained Dody.
Minister of Social Affairs, Syaifullah Yusuf, stated that the construction of 200 People’s Schools will not only cover the islands of Java and Sumatra, but will reach a wider area in Indonesia. The schools will be spread from Sumatra, Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Maluku, to Papua.
“We are collaborating with various parties to support the implementation of this program, namely Brawijaya University Malang and Surabaya State University (UNESA), which have stated their commitment to developing the curriculum and providing teaching staff,” said Syaifullah.
This People’s School Program is a real symbol of the state’s support for vulnerable groups, especially the poor and marginalized. By providing access to quality and affordable basic education, the government hopes to be able to break the chain of poverty from its roots.
The government invites all elements of society to support and oversee the success of the construction of these 200 People’s Schools. Cooperation between the government, education, the private sector, and the wider community is key to creating a more just and prosperous future. It is time for education to become a real solution to eradicating extreme poverty in Indonesia.
[edRW]
