By: Arbhy Putranama )*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to education through the launch of the People’s School Program. In the 2025–2026 academic year, 20,000 children from poor and extremely poor families will attend 200 People’s Schools throughout Indonesia. This program is part of a strategic policy initiated directly by President Prabowo Subianto and stipulated in Presidential Instruction Number 8 of 2025.
Sekolah Rakyat is designed as a boarding school integrated with digital technology. This approach allows children from vulnerable groups to not only receive formal education, but also character building, skills training, and digital literacy in one complete educational ecosystem. In its implementation, the Ministry of Social Affairs acts as the main implementer of the program with support from cross-ministerial and private sectors.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Robben Rico, said that the government has completed the preparation of 100 initial points and is finalizing 100 additional points according to the President’s instructions. From all these locations, it is estimated that more than 20,000 students will start learning simultaneously starting in July 2025. He emphasized that the success of this program does not only depend on the physical construction of schools, but also on the ability to create an adaptive educational ecosystem that is relevant to the challenges of the times.
Robben also emphasized that every point of the People’s School will be equipped with a fast internet connection as part of the digital-based smart school design. He said that access speed is one of the crucial factors, because learning will use a digital management system that demands smooth technology as the main medium.
The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, said the same thing. She ensured that the government has provided 200 Mbps internet access in all Sekolah Rakyat locations. According to her, this speed will not only support the learning process in schools, but also provide benefits to the surrounding community who can use the same network. Meutya added that the task of the Ministry of Communication and Digital is not limited to providing infrastructure, but also ensuring transparency of information and public communication regarding the existence of the program.
In terms of strengthening human resources and providing facilities, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul explained that all supporting facilities have been prepared thoroughly. He said that the People’s School in the future will have quality facilities that are equal to leading schools. The government has even planned to build a school with a large capacity that can accommodate a thousand students in one location, complete with dormitories, modern study rooms, and talent development areas.
Gus Ipul also said that education in the People’s School is designed to adapt to the character and potential of the child. The learning system used is not uniform, but flexible, allowing students to enter and develop according to their respective readiness. He emphasized the importance of facilitating each child to grow optimally based on their strengths and interests, whether in academics, skills, arts, or other professions.
The multi-entry and multi-exit approach implemented in the People’s School is a solution for children who have never attended school or have dropped out. With this system, education is no longer a burden that is coercive, but rather becomes an inclusive space for growth. The government ensures that no child is left behind simply because of time and economic constraints.
One of the main strengths of the People’s School is its comprehensive support for poor families. The government not only sends children to school, but also fosters their family environment. Data from the integrated social welfare system is used to select students and include their families in empowerment programs. Uninhabitable houses belonging to students’ families will be repaired, while their parents are involved in economic improvement programs.
In addition, the private sector is also invited to collaborate through the corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme. The government opens up space for the contribution of the business world in building facilities, strengthening programs, and social support around the location of the People’s School. Joint participation is an important pillar in ensuring the sustainability of this program in the future.
With the readiness of infrastructure, learning systems, fast internet networks, and adaptive curriculum, Sekolah Rakyat is present as a real manifestation of the state’s presence in reaching the most vulnerable groups. This program not only provides learning opportunities, but also opens the way for comprehensive social change.
As many as 20,000 children who will start studying at the People’s School are a symbol of the beginning of a major transformation in the national education system. The government shows that quality education is not the right of a few, but the right of every Indonesian child without exception. With a collaborative, digital, and inclusive approach, the People’s School is expected to be a strong foundation in creating Indonesia’s golden generation towards 2045.
)* Public Policy Observer
