Jakarta – The government is strengthening oversight of the People’s School Program to ensure transparent and accountable implementation. This step is being taken to maintain program quality and ensure budget allocations are used as intended.
Strengthening oversight is also part of efforts to prevent potential irregularities from the planning stage to field implementation. In this regard, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is collaborating with the Ministry of Social Affairs to conduct oversight.
“The objectives of this program (People’s School) are excellent. However, procurement in any form must be based on oversight, thoroughness, and anticipatory principles,” said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto.
Setyo emphasized that inter-agency assistance and coordination are necessary to ensure program governance adheres to the principle of integrity. He stated that the involvement of internal government supervisory officers and the support of relevant institutions will help minimize the risk of budget misuse.
Meanwhile, the government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, welcomed the strengthened oversight as part of a shared commitment to maintaining program quality. The People’s School Program is designed to expand access to education for underprivileged communities, so good governance is necessary to optimally achieve this goal.
“We have been committed from the outset to ensure that these strategic programs are not tainted by corrupt practices,” stated Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf.
The Minister of Social Affairs, familiarly known as Gus Ipul, added that collaboration with supervisory institutions is part of the oversight mechanism to ensure that every stage of implementation complies with regulations. He emphasized the importance of data transparency and cross-sector coordination to maintain public trust in government social programs.
“The involvement of many parties in oversight will make this program stronger and more accountable,” he said.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Affairs also ensures that the procurement and program planning processes are carried out carefully. A special team formed by Gus Ipul has conducted an internal investigation into the procurement process for shoes and various other equipment for the People’s School.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono stated that evaluations and technical improvements are ongoing and are targeted for completion soon.
“The investigation into this procurement must be clear next week,” said Agus Jabo.
By strengthening oversight and coordination between institutions, the government hopes the People’s School Program will be more effective, transparent, and sustainable. This step is expected to not only maintain the integrity of budget management but also ensure that the program’s benefits truly reach the communities targeted by the policy.