Jakarta – The government continues to expand access to education for underprivileged communities through the accelerated establishment of additional Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools), which are targeted to begin operations in April 2026. This policy follows directives from Prabowo Subianto to ensure that more Indonesian children can equally access their right to education.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono, stated that the expansion of Sekolah Rakyat goes beyond previously planned development phases. He emphasized that the acceleration has become a government priority to meet the April operational target.
“This is an additional mandate that we must carry out together, as it is a direct instruction from President Prabowo. He has requested that the schools must be operational by April,” Agus said.
The government is also optimizing the use of facilities owned by various ministries and agencies to speed up the operational readiness of Sekolah Rakyat. According to Agus, this effort complements the stages that have already been implemented. In the first phase, pilot programs were established in 166 locations by utilizing existing buildings. The second phase includes the construction of permanent schools in 104 locations, while the third phase is currently preparing around 100 additional sites.
“Recently, the Ministry of Transportation has provided training facilities that will later be used for Sekolah Rakyat,” he added.
He further explained that the accelerated opening prioritizes functional readiness by focusing on essential facilities. “What matters most is having classrooms, dormitories, and dining facilities in place first. Other supporting elements can be adjusted as the teaching and learning process progresses,” Agus noted.
Meanwhile, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, described the Sekolah Rakyatprogram as a strategic investment in preparing future generations. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring every child’s right to education.
“I feel proud and moved to see the enthusiasm of the children here. Sekolah Rakyat proves that child-friendly and community-based education can be highly effective,” she said during a visit to a Sekolah Rakyat in Ponorogo.
During her visit, she confirmed that the available facilities adequately support children’s development, ranging from dormitories to classrooms. She also highlighted the importance of a safe and comfortable learning environment.
“The location is comfortable, the air is clean, and the facilities are good. The children can study comfortably; they receive three meals a day along with two snacks,” she added.
The expansion of Sekolah Rakyat represents a strategic step in ensuring equal access to education for all Indonesian children. This effort not only broadens educational opportunities but also strengthens the foundation of inclusive and equitable human resource development. Support from all stakeholders will be essential to ensure the program continues to grow and deliver sustainable benefits for Indonesia’s future generations.
