JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto signed the decree inaugurating the People’s School Program as a step toward delivering equitable, high-quality education for children from poor and extremely poor families.
The inauguration underscores the direction of national education policy that places social justice as the foundation for human capital development toward Indonesia Emas 2045.
The People’s School is designed as a formal boarding education system from elementary through senior high school, with all costs fully covered by the state.
The program targets children from deciles 1 and 2 in the National Integrated Social and Economic Data, including out-of-school children and other vulnerable groups.
The state provides comprehensive facilities, including dormitories, nutritious meals, uniforms, computers, books, healthcare services, as well as character and community-based skills development.
This approach is also integrated with social assistance for students’ families, including economic empowerment programs and the renovation of substandard housing.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf stated that the People’s School was born out of the President’s concern for communities that have long been left behind in the development process.
“They are then given access, accommodation, and the opportunity to pursue education in a quality environment, while their parents receive empowerment programs,” he said.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for implementing the program as part of the poverty alleviation strategy.
“Because this is part of poverty eradication. The children go to school, the families are empowered. When the children graduate, the families move up and become self-reliant. This is extraordinary and will certainly be a legacy of President Prabowo,” said Gus Ipul.
By the end of 2025, a total of 166 pilot People’s Schools had been operating across various regions.
From the regions, the Head of People’s Junior High School 13 Kupang, Felipina Agustina Kale, assessed the People’s School as a true manifestation of social justice.
“In my view, this is social justice for all Indonesians. This program is very good. Whoever the leader is, whoever the president is, this is a program that must continue,” she said.
She expressed appreciation for the impact on students’ character development.
“To Mr. President, thank you very much. You have shown great sensitivity to the needs of the poor, especially those in East Nusa Tenggara. We feel that this program is truly extraordinary,” she said.
The government is also expanding the program through the construction of Phase II People’s Schools.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasized that the development represents a long-term national investment.
“The People’s School is a tangible manifestation of the government’s commitment to building superior human resources. We will ensure that construction is fast and of high quality,” he said. (*)
