By: Aulia Sofyan Harahap
The President’s inauguration of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) marks a decisive step in reshaping Indonesia’s education landscape by placing social justice at the core of public policy. This inauguration signifies the tangible presence of the state among communities that, for decades, have faced limited access to education. Through Sekolah Rakyat, education is no longer treated as a privilege, but as a fundamental right that is fully protected and fulfilled.
Sekolah Rakyat is designed as a response to structural problems that have long hindered social mobility among poor and extremely poor families. The government provides free, high-quality education complete with a boarding school system, adequate nutrition, uniforms, healthcare services, and modern learning facilities.
This approach removes economic barriers that often force children in remote areas to drop out of school at an early age. The state assumes responsibilities that have long burdened underprivileged families.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf explained that Sekolah Rakyat is an initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, born out of concern for millions of school-age children who have been marginalized from the formal education system.
The government not only opens access and provides structured learning accommodations, but also implements empowerment programs for students’ parents. This scheme positions education as part of an integrated poverty alleviation strategy, as children receive quality education while families gain increased capacity and self-reliance. According to him, this model creates a multilayered impact that strengthens the social resilience of poor communities.
Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) underscores the urgency of this policy, showing that more than three million children are out of school, have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out.
Sekolah Rakyat serves as a space for restoring dreams for these groups. A total of 166 pilot Sekolah Rakyat have been operating across various regions of Indonesia, reaching more than 15,000 students. The government has set targets to develop hundreds more schools to ensure equitable access to education, including in the most remote areas.
Program evaluations show tangible improvements in students’ quality of life. Saifullah Yusuf reported significant physical improvements among students due to the boarding school system with controlled nutritional intake.
Students’ health has improved, anemia rates have declined, and physical growth has progressed optimally—so much so that some students have even required larger uniforms. These outcomes affirm that effective education requires adequate nutrition and a safe environment.
Academic progress is also clearly evident. Sekolah Rakyat does not apply initial academic selection, allowing children with literacy gaps to still access education. Through adaptive learning methods and intensive mentoring, students who were previously unable to read and write fluently are able to catch up in a relatively short time. Interest in reading grows alongside increased self-confidence, marking the emergence of a learning culture previously constrained by poverty.
Character development is another major achievement. The Principal of Sekolah Rakyat Junior High School 13 Kupang, Felipina Agustina Kale, views Sekolah Rakyat as a concrete manifestation of social justice.
According to her, the school does not merely pursue academic achievement, but also shapes the character of children from underprivileged families by fostering new mindsets. Many students arrive with feelings of inferiority due to economic hardship, but the boarding system and full-time mentoring gradually diminish these feelings.
Character education takes place throughout the day through disciplined routines, spiritual habituation, and healthy social interactions. Felipina observes real changes in students’ confidence in communication and social skills, as well as increased parental pride in their children’s development.
Support for the inauguration of Sekolah Rakyat has also come from civil society organizations. Chairman of the Central Executive Board of Garuda Astacita Nusantara, Muhammad Burhanuddin, considers the program a visionary initiative by President Prabowo Subianto in addressing educational disparities that hinder poor and extremely poor communities.
The President’s presence at the inauguration reflects consistency between commitment and action. Burhanuddin believes that Sekolah Rakyat marks the beginning of a national strategy for poverty alleviation through education and family empowerment, aimed at creating a brighter future for the younger generation.
The distribution of 166 Sekolah Rakyat across Sumatra, Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua reflects the government’s strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for all citizens without exception.
Support in various aspects—including digital technology, teaching staff, and adaptive curricula—has further strengthened the quality of learning in Indonesia, driven in part by the implementation of Sekolah Rakyat.
The program aligns with the national vision for human resource development and the aspiration to achieve Indonesia Emas 2045, as quality education is the main foundation for the nation’s sustainable progress.
The government’s inauguration of Sekolah Rakyat has brought new hope to Indonesia’s education sector by demonstrating the state’s strong commitment to all segments of society, including the most vulnerable groups.
Through this policy, education is no longer limited to academic achievement alone, but emerges as a pathway for social transformation—one that elevates dignity, builds self-confidence, and opens opportunities for sustainable welfare for future generations. (*)
*) Public Policy Observer – Bentang Nusantara Public Policy Research Institute
