By: Yoga Prasetyo)
The government’s policy to expand Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) marks a progressive step in accelerating equitable access to education in Indonesia. Amid persistent social and economic disparities affecting parts of society, the presence of Sekolah Rakyat serves as a strategic instrument to directly reach underprivileged communities. This program not only reflects the state’s commitment to vulnerable groups but also demonstrates a concrete effort to strengthen the foundation of human capital. Education is no longer a privilege that is difficult to access, but an opportunity that is increasingly open to all segments of society.
Furthermore, this initiative is a direct follow-up to directives from Prabowo Subianto, who emphasized the need to accelerate the provision of educational access within a short timeframe. This directive is grounded in the understanding that education is key to social mobility and poverty alleviation. The expansion of Sekolah Rakyat thus represents a relevant and well-targeted policy. Through an adaptive and swift approach, the government aims to break the cycle of educational disadvantage that has long affected underprivileged communities.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono, affirmed that the acceleration is part of a direct presidential instruction to ensure access for those most in need. The addition of new Sekolah Rakyat locations has even gone beyond previously planned development phases, highlighting the flexibility of policies in responding to real conditions on the ground. By utilizing existing buildings in the early stages, the government has been able to accelerate implementation without waiting for new infrastructure to be built from scratch.
The ongoing development phases also demonstrate systematic and sustainable planning. In the first phase, pilot Sekolah Rakyat initiatives were established in 166 locations, providing initial access for thousands of students from underprivileged families. The second phase focuses on constructing permanent schools in 104 locations, aimed at improving facility quality and learning processes. Meanwhile, the third phase, involving the preparation of around 100 new sites, indicates that the program’s expansion is designed in a layered and measurable manner. As such, the growth of Sekolah Rakyat is not only rapid but also well-directed.
On the other hand, the ambitious target of building 500 Sekolah Rakyat by 2029 serves as a strong indicator of the government’s commitment to the program. This target is not merely a figure, but a representation of a broader vision to create inclusive educational access. With each school designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students, the program has the potential to benefit up to half a million children. This scale reflects a significant intervention in improving national education quality.
Moreover, the number of students enrolled in Sekolah Rakyat continues to show a positive trend. Currently reaching around 15,000 students, the figure is projected to grow to 30,000 by the end of 2026. This increase reflects both the high level of need and growing public trust in the program. As more schools are established, previously limited access to education is gradually expanding, offering new hope to families facing economic barriers in sending their children to school.
Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, also projected that the cumulative number of Sekolah Rakyat students could exceed 45,000 during the 2025–2026 period. This projection is supported by the ongoing improvement of infrastructure by the government. Assuming smooth implementation, this figure indicates the program’s expanding reach. Additionally, the rising number of students reflects the effectiveness of policies in encouraging community participation.
He further emphasized that the phased development approach each year demonstrates a structured long-term strategy. This consistency is essential to achieving the target of 500 Sekolah Rakyat by 2029. Without sustained commitment, a program of this scale risks losing momentum. Therefore, maintaining the pace of development remains a critical factor.
From a broader perspective, the presence of Sekolah Rakyat carries multidimensional impacts on national development. Beyond expanding educational access, the program contributes to reducing dropout rates and improving the quality of the future workforce. More equitable education will create more inclusive economic opportunities. In this sense, Sekolah Rakyat functions not only as an educational institution but also as an instrument of social transformation.
In addition, the program’s emphasis on sustainability and scalability enhances its resilience against policy shifts. The government is not solely focused on quantity, but also ensures quality through the construction of permanent schools and improved management. This is crucial for ensuring that Sekolah Rakyat becomes not just a short-term solution, but a long-term investment for the nation. With proper management, the program has the potential to serve as a model for inclusive education that can be replicated across regions.
Ultimately, the expansion of Sekolah Rakyat brings renewed optimism to Indonesia’s educational landscape. This policy demonstrates the state’s tangible presence in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities. With careful planning, ambitious targets, and consistent commitment, Sekolah Rakyat has the potential to become a key pillar in realizing social justice in education. In the end, great hopes rest on the sustainability of this program to produce a more empowered and competitive generation, while strengthening a more inclusive and equitable future for Indonesia.
*) Education and Social Transformation Analyst
