Jakarta – The government continues to expand access to education for children from underprivileged families by accelerating the construction of public schools in various regions of Indonesia.
Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) said that People’s Schools have been operating in 166 locations from Sabang to Merauke to ensure that Indonesian children’s rights to equal education are fulfilled.
“Some have been operating since July 2025, at 63 locations. In August, another 37 locations were added, and finally, in September and early October, they were operational at 66 locations,” said Gus Ipul in Jakarta.
This national strategic program not only targets improving the quality of educational facilities and infrastructure, but also creates new job opportunities, especially for educators and education staff who will support the school’s operations.
Through phase II development in 104 locations, the government is targeting the provision of inclusive, quality, and equitable education services to break the chain of intergenerational poverty.
The second phase of the People’s School development effort has received a budget allocation of IDR 20 trillion, with an estimated construction cost of IDR 200 billion per school.
Physical construction, which began in October 2025, is targeted for completion in June 2026 and will be ready for use for the 2026/2027 academic year.
In line with the acceleration of educational infrastructure development, the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) is also opening up opportunities for recruiting educational staff (tendik) to support the operations of People’s Schools.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has reopened registration for Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) for Public Schools in 2025, with the registration deadline being December 7, 2025.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared a total of 3,003 educational staff positions, spread across five main positions: Foster Parents, Dormitory Parents, School Operators, Financial Managers, and Administrative Staff.
This formation was announced through Announcement Number 5094/KP.01.01/12/2025 concerning the Selection of PPPK Procurement for Elementary School Education Staff within the Ministry of Social Affairs in 2025.
The presence of these educational staff is the main support for the continuity of teaching and learning activities, especially since the People’s School has an integrated education concept that includes character building, social services, and the development of student talents.
On the other hand, the construction sector has also benefited from this program. PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (WIKA) is one of the state-owned enterprises entrusted with building public schools in various regions.
WIKA’s President Director, Agung Budi Waskito, emphasized that the project is not just about building a school building, but rather creating a complete student development center, from academic support to character building and independence.
“WIKA ensures that construction is fast, precise, and meets standards so that the benefits can be felt directly by students, teachers, and the surrounding community,” said Agung.