JAKARTA – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the implementation of the Public Schools program is transparent and on-target. Oversight is carried out thoroughly, from the outreach process for prospective students to the procurement of school supplies, to ensure the program truly benefits underprivileged communities and avoids any irregularities.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, explained that Public Schools are intended for poor and extremely poor families, whose data is based on the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN). Therefore, the participant acceptance mechanism is not conducted through open registration, but rather through a direct outreach system to communities already included in government data.
Gus Ipul emphasized that the process must be free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism.
“We ensure that the outreach process is conducted cleanly without any bribery, manipulation by certain parties, extortion, or corruption, collusion, and nepotism practices, as these are contrary to the President’s directives,” he said.
In addition to ensuring that program distribution is running according to regulations, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also investigating alleged price markups in the procurement of shoes and equipment for the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat). The investigation is being conducted through an internal audit to determine whether there have been any violations in the procurement process.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono stated that the investigation is targeted for completion soon.
“Next week, the investigation regarding this procurement must be completed and clear,” he said.
Agus added that the investigation process is being carried out in detail and thoroughly to ensure the results are accountable. If any indications of violations are found, the results of the investigation will be forwarded to law enforcement officials for follow-up.
“I request that this investigation be carried out seriously and thoroughly because the results will later be submitted to law enforcement officials,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Setyo Budiyanto, also paid attention to the implementation of procurement of goods under the People’s School program. According to him, strict supervision is crucial for the government’s strategic program to run optimally and provide real benefits to the community.
Setyo believes that the success of a program is not only measured by budget absorption, but also by the quality of the goods received by the community and the impact felt by the beneficiaries.
“This program has excellent goals, but every procurement process must be carried out with strict supervision and caution, prioritizing anticipatory measures,” said Setyo.
Through government oversight, internal audits, and the involvement of law enforcement officials, the People’s School program is expected to operate accountably and transparently, expanding access to education for those in need.