JAKARTA – The government is moving quickly to realize the People’s School program as part of the extreme poverty alleviation strategy. A total of 200 locations have been prepared for the establishment of these schools, 53 of which will start operating in the new academic year of June 2025. These schools utilize existing building assets owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and local governments that are being renovated to be suitable as educational facilities.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi said that of the total target, there are still 147 locations that require the construction of new buildings. This program targets areas with high poverty rates, such as Central Java, West Java, and East Java.
“Regarding the 53 buildings, they already exist, but they still need renovation and additional facilities. The government also ensures that development will be evenly distributed to the regions of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua,” said Prasetyo.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo emphasized that all People’s School buildings will be equipped with earthquake-resistant technology and supporting facilities that meet standards.
“Renovation is not just about adding classrooms or toilets, but also ensuring that the building is strong and safe for children,” he said.
Dody expressed his full support for this program as a direct implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s vision in Asta Cita towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
“We ensure that all basic infrastructure, including dormitories, sanitation, and study rooms, are well available,” he explained.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Public Works have completed the location survey and are currently designing a prototype and Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the first phase of construction. The construction of 53 schools is targeted to be completed in June 2025, while the rest will be completed in stages until the end of the year.
Elsewhere, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has begun recruiting professional teachers through an individual contract scheme. Teachers recruited must be graduates of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) and will teach full time. The education system will use a multi-entry multi-exit approach.
“The main objective of this program is to ensure that quality education is accessible to all groups, especially the extreme poor, to break the chain of poverty. Students can start learning at any time according to their individual needs and development,” he explained.
The government is optimistic that the People’s School will be an important foundation in building a superior, characterful, and resilient future generation through the support of adaptive and inclusive infrastructure and education systems.
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