Jakarta,- The government has reaffirmed its commitment to realizing national education equality through the launch of the People’s School Program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto. This program will start operating in July 2025 and is specifically aimed at children from poor and extremely poor families based on the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN).
Sekolah Rakyat comes with a dormitory concept and is intended as a concrete solution to break the chain of intergenerational poverty. This program will be under the coordination of the Ministry of Social Affairs, and involves active support from the Ministry of PANRB, the State Civil Service Agency (BKN), and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf said that in the cross-ministerial coordination meeting, the technical implementation scheme of this program had been discussed. However, all discussion results will be reported first to President Prabowo to get direct direction. He explained that the target launch in July 2025 is focused on areas that already have infrastructure readiness.
“However, we will first report the scheme that we have discussed in this coordination meeting to the President,” said Saifullah Yusuf.
He added that one of the government’s main focuses at the moment is to ensure the availability of teaching staff. With the launch approaching, the government is taking concrete steps to avoid teacher shortages. Saifullah is optimistic that through cross-agency cooperation and strong coordination, all teaching staff needs can be met.
“God willing, with the schemes that have been created, we can meet all teacher needs, especially in the implementation of People’s Schools,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono also emphasized that the People’s School is not just an ordinary educational institution. According to him, this school will be a leading institution with a holistic teaching system that combines formal education, national character, religion, and professional skills.
“The President asked for the People’s School levels to start from elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Each school is expected to have 1,000 students and we are ordered to be able to open schools in 100 locations this year,” he explained.
He emphasized that the education provided will not only equip students with knowledge, but also shape character and skills to be ready to face the world of work. “If in formal schools only get knowledge, this will get national character education, religious character including professional skills. So ready to work,” he said.
With the existence of the People’s School, the government is optimistic that the ideal of creating a golden generation of Indonesia that is highly competitive and free from the shackles of poverty will soon be realized.[]
