By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Inequality in access to education remains a fundamental problem hindering national progress. Despite the government’s implementation of various compulsory education programs, school operational assistance, and educational infrastructure development, some Indonesian children still struggle to receive a decent education. In many remote areas, limited learning facilities, a shortage of teachers, and the limited socio-economic conditions of families remain significant challenges. In this context, the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) presents itself as an alternative initiative that brings new hope to the nation’s children and offers a solution to the unequal access to education.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) website, the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) is a boarding school system that is completely free for children from poor and vulnerable families. This program is intended for elementary, middle, and high school students. Referring to Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025, the People’s School program is part of poverty alleviation and extreme poverty eradication efforts. Prospective students are determined based on the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN).
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos RI), has successfully implemented the first phase of the People’s School (RS) development program in 166 locations. Several schools in this phase have been operational since July 2025. More than 15,000 students have registered for the program, guided by over 3,000 teachers and 4,000 educational staff. This figure demonstrates the significant role of the RS in providing equitable access to education. Due to the success of the first phase, the government is pushing to accelerate the construction of the second phase of the RS in 104 locations.
One of the People’s School locations is in Central Sulawesi Province (Sulteng Provincial Government). The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government officially launched the 20 Tadulako Nambaso Integrated People’s School to expand educational access for children from underprivileged families in the area.
Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid stated that the presence of the People’s Schools offers new hope for children from underprivileged families. With the presence of the People’s Schools, we are not only opening access to education for those who are less fortunate, but also instilling hope for the birth of a superior generation with character and competitiveness.
Anwar explained that the People’s School is a national strategic program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, incorporating a boarding school concept. This program provides opportunities for children from extremely poor and low-income families (Deciles 1 and 2) to access holistic, sustainable education and character-building.
Currently, there are three pilot People’s Schools in Central Sulawesi: SRMP 22 Sigi, managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Integrated People’s School 20 Tadulako Nambaso, initiated by the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, and Integrated People’s School 60 Tojo Una-Una, managed by the local district government. For Tadulako Nambaso People’s School 20, the teaching and learning process began on August 15, 2025, with the implementation of the MPLS (Learning and Learning Implementation Program) combined with free health checks to ensure student readiness.
Governor Anwar hopes that the presence of the People’s School will become a strong foundation in building a superior, character-based, and competitive young generation in Central Sulawesi in the future.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has formalized cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisintek) in order to downstream graduates of Elementary Schools so they can continue their education to college.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, stated that the number of students attending public high schools (Sekolah Rakyat) has now reached 6,000. They will graduate in 2028 and need to be facilitated for downstream development.
Before continuing on to higher education, Elementary School students can discover their talents and interests through a DNA Talent test. The results of the DNA Talent test provide recommendations for professions or fields that align with each Elementary School student’s talents and interests. These include health, engineering, and other fields.
For elementary and junior high school graduates, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also prepared a follow-up scheme. In addition to continuing their education at elementary schools, students who meet the criteria can be directed to Garuda School.
To facilitate graduates who do not intend to attend university, the Ministry of Social Affairs is collaborating with the Ministry of Manpower and other relevant ministries. To prepare them for employment both domestically and internationally, Elementary School graduates will receive training to become skilled workers.
Amidst the still-diverse socio-economic conditions, the presence of the People’s School is a ray of hope for many Indonesian children who have not yet received formal education. The People’s School serves as a reminder that education is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also a social movement born from the concerns of citizens. As more parties take part, the vision of an intelligent, inclusive, and equitable Indonesia can be realized more quickly.
The People’s School is not just an alternative institution, but a symbol that change can begin with small steps. The People’s School proves that inequality is not destiny, and that the future of the nation’s children can be determined by the community’s courage to take action. As long as the spirit of mutual cooperation continues to grow, the People’s School will continue to be a new hope, illuminating the path to resolving the unequal access to education in this country.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute