The People’s School Program in the Regions is the Government’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Quality Education
Jakarta – The government remains committed to expanding access to quality education across the country, through the People’s School program, which has been operating in more than 160 locations from Sabang to Merauke. This program represents a concrete manifestation of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s efforts to achieve equitable education for all Indonesian children, particularly those from underprivileged families.
In a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) revealed that the People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) have been successfully operating in 166 locations, with 63 more locations opening since July 2025, 37 in August, and another 66 in September and early October. These schools are intended for children from families in deciles 1 and 2 based on the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN), to ensure they receive an equal education.
“People’s Schools operate throughout Indonesia and currently have over 15,000 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. We also involve nearly 3,000 educators and over 4,000 other support staff,” explained Gus Ipul.
In response to the various challenges that have emerged, Gus Ipul emphasized the importance of collaboration between relevant ministries and institutions, such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), to map the interests and talents of Elementary School students for their continued education at university. This was realized in the form of the signing of an MoU between Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf and Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto on December 2, 2025, which aims to integrate Elementary School students with the world of higher education.
“Currently, there are more than 6,000 Elementary School high school students who will graduate in 2028. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to ensure they can continue their education to higher education according to their interests and talents. We also conduct DNA talent testing to help them determine the right professional path, such as in health, engineering, and others,” said Gus Ipul.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, revealed that universities in Indonesia are ready to support the People’s School program.
“We have more than 4,000 campuses across Indonesia, as well as nearly 10 million students and 300,000 lecturers. All of these are assets that will contribute to ensuring that Elementary School students can continue their education and prepare for their careers,” said Brian.
The ongoing construction of Phase II of the People’s Schools also demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to providing quality education. The project is currently underway in three provinces: Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and South Sulawesi, with a capacity of more than 112,000 students. Each People’s School will be equipped with modern facilities, such as technology-enabled classrooms, skills laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
With the establishment of People’s Schools in various regions, it is hoped that quality education will reach all levels of society, including those from low-income families. This program also aligns with President Prabowo’s directive to produce a superior generation ready to compete in the workforce and higher education.
