Jakarta — The government is committed to widening access to quality education for all levels of society through the strengthening of the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) Program.
The program has proven to deliver significant impact, not only in improving students’ learning quality but also in supporting the economic stability of low-income families.
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Robben Rico, stated that Sekolah Rakyat serves as a key instrument for ensuring that children from vulnerable families receive equal educational opportunities.
“This program aims to uplift the wong cilik so they can stand equal with others. It reaches those who have been unreached and makes what once seemed impossible become possible,” Robben said.
He explained that Sekolah Rakyat offers a concrete solution to reducing educational access disparities.
“Graduates of Sekolah Rakyat are expected to be of strong character, skilled, and intelligent. Good habits are always instilled. I will personally guide the teachers on how education should be implemented. Being smart is number five, but good behavior is character education,” he added.
Robben also noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs is preparing downstream pathways for Sekolah Rakyat graduates as part of a broader poverty alleviation ecosystem enabled through education.
“Currently, hundreds of Sekolah Rakyat graduates have been accepted into public universities. Hopefully, one day, a graduate of Sekolah Rakyat will go on to become a regent—or even a president,” he said.
To further expand educational support, the Ministry of Social Affairs is partnering with PT Pos Indonesia to strengthen the Sekolah Rakyat program.
This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the University of Logistics and International Business (ULBI) in Bandung.
Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, stated that the cooperation will provide facility and infrastructure support, as well as scholarships for talented Sekolah Rakyat graduates who wish to continue their studies at ULBI.
“This strengthens the implementation of the Sekolah Rakyat Program. Previously, we also collaborated with several other universities for graduates who want to pursue higher education, with certain conditions applied,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Acting President Director of PT Pos Indonesia, Haris, emphasized that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving community welfare through inclusive and sustainable programs.
“We hope this synergy will further strengthen modern, wide-reaching social services,” Haris said.
With support from various stakeholders, Sekolah Rakyat is expected to continue driving positive change and serve as a key pillar in shaping intelligent, independent future generations and fostering more prosperous families.
