Jakarta – The People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) program stands as a symbol of the state’s presence in ensuring that every Indonesian child receives their fundamental right to quality education. Through this initiative, the government affirms that national development is not measured solely by economic achievements, but by how far the quality of life of the people can be improved fairly and equitably.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized that the primary goal of development is to ensure that all citizens live with a good quality of life.
“Our criteria are progress and modernity, where all people experience a good quality of life. We simply want all our people to live with a good quality of life,” the President said.
According to him, quality of life includes access to nutritious food, healthcare services, proper education, and adequate income.
Within this framework, the People’s School program is presented as a concrete solution to break the cycle of structural poverty. The President stressed that the state must not allow children to lose their future due to economic limitations.
“Children from the most disadvantaged groups are enrolled in boarding schools. We provide them with the best education. Children who would otherwise have no opportunity to attend school—we take them all. There must be no children on the streets who are not in school,” he emphasized.
To date, People’s Schools have been operating at hundreds of locations across Indonesia, reaching various regions, including disadvantaged and remote areas. Going forward, the government aims to expand the program on a massive scale so that hundreds of thousands of children from the most vulnerable families can gain equal access to quality education.
Inclusivity is the core spirit of the People’s School program. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf stressed that there must be no discrimination in the teaching and learning process.
“Everyone learns together. It is inclusive, unified, and non-discriminatory, with students receiving education collectively,” he said.
He added that every child, including children with disabilities, possesses unique potential that must be nurtured.
“Every child has strengths and exceptional abilities. The teacher’s role is to strengthen those unique qualities.”
Values of tolerance and humanity are also strongly instilled.
“There must be no intolerance, no physical or sexual violence, and no harassment or bullying. Children must be educated to live in harmony as fellow human beings and as citizens of the nation,” Saifullah Yusuf asserted.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono highlighted the importance of readiness in facing changing times.
“The world is constantly changing and evolving. People’s Schools must be able to assess these developments so that children are truly prepared for the future,” he said.
He emphasized that education at People’s Schools must be of high quality so that graduates are capable of elevating their own dignity as well as that of their families.
With an inclusive, adaptive, and future-oriented approach, the People’s School program not only provides access to education, but also fosters literacy, character development, and new hope for the next generation. This program serves as tangible proof that the state is present, working, and standing firmly for the future of Indonesia’s children.