By: Abdul Razak*
The government’s People’s School program is beginning to show tangible impacts in expanding access to education and improving the quality of life for children from vulnerable families. Not only does it provide learning opportunities, the program is also bringing about changes in health, character, digital literacy, and student achievement in various regions.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, presented the progress of People’s Schools at a Government Press Conference at the Bakom RI Auditorium. The event was part of a presentation of the achievements of cross-sectoral government programs, including Free Health Checks (CKG) in schools, tuberculosis treatment, and strengthening access to education for vulnerable groups.
In his presentation, Gus Ipul emphasized that People’s Schools are the government’s effort to break the cycle of poverty through education. The program is aimed at children from underprivileged families who have previously struggled to access adequate education due to economic constraints or vulnerable social conditions.
According to him, the state must not give in to circumstances that deprive some children of learning opportunities. The presence of People’s Schools is a concrete manifestation of the state’s responsibility to provide protection and a better future for children from poor families.
This program adheres to Article 34 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the state to care for the poor and neglected children. According to government data, most People’s School students come from families in deciles 1 and 2 of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). Approximately 60 percent of parents work as laborers or casual laborers, while 67 percent earn less than Rp 1 million per month. Most families also have more than four dependents.
These conditions leave many children living in challenging circumstances. Some students have never attended school before or have dropped out due to family economic pressures. Therefore, the student admission process is carried out actively through data-based outreach, field verification, and direct dialogue with parents before being approved by the local government.
For the 2026 academic year, the government is targeting 32,640 new students. Currently, People’s Schools operate in 166 pilot locations across 34 provinces and 131 regencies/cities, with a total enrollment of over 14,936 students.
Significant changes began to be seen after the program had been running for more than nine months. Gus Ipul stated that student development was not only evident in academics, but also in physical and mental health.
Many students who previously suffered from malnutrition, anemia, and low fitness now showed significantly improved conditions. Their weight and height increased, their bodies became healthier, and their ability to concentrate while studying also improved. According to Gus Ipul, health is an important foundation for building quality education because healthy children have a better opportunity to learn optimally.
In addition to physical health, changes in student behavior were also quite noticeable. Children became more disciplined, more confident, and more independent in their daily lives. Based on parent testimonials, students are now more diligent in their prayers, are accustomed to waking up early, have begun helping their families, and are no longer overly dependent on gadgets.
Gus Ipul believes that the People’s School not only changes a child’s life but also restores hope within a family. The program is believed to be able to build new optimism for poor communities to escape the cycle of poverty through quality education.
Academically, the program’s results are beginning to be tangible. In 2026, the People’s School will graduate its first 453 students from elementary, middle, and high school levels. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education to a higher level or enter the workforce as skilled workers according to their interests and potential.
Student achievements are also beginning to emerge at various levels. One student won second place in the 2025 Senkaido Open International Karate Championship Series 7. Additionally, 162 students achieved national-level achievements, 87 students at the provincial level, and 75 students at the district/city level. These achievements demonstrate that children from vulnerable families can compete if they have access to the right education and support.
On the same occasion, the Head of the Government Communications Agency, Mohammad Qodari, emphasized the importance of early health intervention through schools. Furthermore, the school space is a strategy for the government to ensure that all children receive equal basic services so that health problems can be detected and addressed more quickly.
Students’ quality is also strengthened, this is done through digital literacy. The East Java Provincial Communications and Informatics Office boldly launched the Smart Digital (Cerdig) program through Coding for Kids training for Elementary School students.
The Head of the East Java Communications and Informatics Office, Sherlita Ratna Dewi Agustin, stated that the development of digital technology must be balanced with increased digital literacy for students. Through this program, students are encouraged to use technology wisely, productively, and responsibly.
Meanwhile, East Java Information and Communication Technology Volunteer, Mochamad Ismanu Roziqi, explained that learning to code using Scratch can hone students’ creativity and critical thinking skills through the creation of interactive stories, animations, and simple games.
Meanwhile, the government continues to accelerate the construction of Elementary School facilities in various regions. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo inspected the construction of Elementary Schools in Aceh and West Sumatra to ensure the project is on track.
By strengthening education, health, digital literacy, and infrastructure development, Elementary Schools have now become a symbol of the state’s presence for vulnerable communities. The program is expected to produce a healthy, high-achieving generation with greater opportunities to escape poverty through quality education.
)* Public Policy Analyst