By: Sinta Anindita Hesti
The People’s School Program has emerged as a strategic initiative by the government to ensure that every Indonesian child obtains the right to quality education. Its presence reflects the state’s tangible commitment to expanding inclusive and equitable access to education, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to grow and develop optimally through a high-quality learning process.
More than just a place of learning, People’s Schools serve as a crucial foundation in shaping a competitive and high-achieving future generation. Education is positioned as a primary instrument of human development, not only enhancing individual capacity but also strengthening the nation’s long-term progress.
The right to education has been guaranteed in the constitution and continues to be reinforced through various policies that promote equitable access. In its implementation, the government has introduced the People’s School Program as a concrete solution capable of reaching different segments of society through an inclusive, affordable, and adaptive approach to local needs.
Through this approach, People’s Schools play a strategic role in ensuring that every child remains within a proper and sustainable educational ecosystem. This effort reaffirms the state’s commitment to delivering equitable education and ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing learning opportunities for their future.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono stated that the expansion of People’s Schools is an acceleration step to broaden educational reach. He emphasized that the program is designed so that its benefits can be felt immediately by the public. Gradually, its development has been carried out in several stages: the first phase established 166 pilot locations, the second phase focuses on building permanent schools at 104 locations, and the third phase prepares approximately 100 additional sites.
People’s Schools function not only as centers of learning but also as spaces for character building and strengthening national values. Through a contextually designed curriculum, children are taught not only academic knowledge but also life skills relevant to their environment. This is essential in shaping a generation that is not only intellectually capable but also mentally and socially resilient.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, stated that the existence of People’s Schools represents a concrete manifestation of the state’s investment in future generations. The program is rooted in the grand vision of President Prabowo Subianto, who places strong emphasis on the welfare of Indonesian children.
In its implementation, the program emphasizes principles of equity and justice in education. It reaches communities that have long struggled to access formal education, including children in remote areas and regions with high poverty rates. As such, People’s Schools serve as an important instrument in reducing educational disparities across regions and social groups.
The government’s role is a key pillar in ensuring the success and sustainability of the program. Through strong budget support, the provision of qualified educators, and effective oversight systems, the initiative can operate optimally and deliver broad benefits to society. This commitment demonstrates the state’s seriousness in making education a top national development priority.
Equally important is the involvement of parents and the surrounding community in supporting children’s education. People’s Schools encourage active public participation, ensuring that education is not solely the responsibility of formal institutions but a shared movement. With strong social support, children are more motivated to learn and develop their potential to the fullest.
Secretary of the Directorate General of Strategic Infrastructure at the Ministry of Public Works, Essy Asiah, affirmed that infrastructure readiness continues to be strengthened. This includes providing proper, safe, and child-friendly learning facilities to create a conducive educational environment. According to her, infrastructure development not only focuses on physical aspects but also prioritizes sustainability and equitable access, especially for areas that still face limitations in educational facilities. With this commitment, People’s Schools are expected to function optimally and truly become a concrete solution in guaranteeing children’s right to quality education.
Amid increasingly dynamic global developments, the quality of education has become a key factor in addressing various challenges. People’s Schools are expected to meet these demands by providing education that is relevant, adaptive, and future-oriented. In this way, children nurtured through this program will be well-equipped to compete and contribute to national development.
Ultimately, People’s Schools are not merely an educational program but a manifestation of the state’s commitment to guaranteeing every child’s right to quality education. This effort must continue to be strengthened and expanded to reach more children across the country. With equitable and high-quality education, Indonesia can move forward with greater confidence toward a more just, prosperous, and competitive future.
*) The author is a social and community affairs observer
