Jakarta – The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to strengthening basic education by accelerating the renovation of “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s Schools) infrastructure across various regions. This acceleration program is part of the national priority agenda for 2025, aiming to ensure equitable access to safe, adequate, and quality education for all Indonesian children.
More than 2,000 schools have been identified as urgently in need of renovation. The focus includes repairing classrooms, toilets, sanitation facilities, libraries, as well as providing access to clean water and internet connectivity. In addition, expanding classroom capacity is a key target to reduce the high student-to-classroom ratio that persists in many areas.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating the rehabilitation and renovation of educational facilities through the first phase of the Sekolah Rakyat program. The use of digital service information systems has become a significant breakthrough, allowing real-time monitoring of project development in 63 locations across Indonesia. The technologies include continuous auditing and monitoring (CACM), building information modeling (BIM), drones, and online-connected CCTV.
“We are leveraging digital technology to increase transparency and efficiency in managing education infrastructure projects. This is crucial to ensure children, especially those from extremely poor families, gain access to quality education,” said Dody.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti stated that several schools in Eastern Indonesia are prioritized in the initial phase, particularly those affected by disasters or located in remote areas. Renovations are expected to be completed in stages by the end of 2025, involving local labor to stimulate economic growth in surrounding communities.
“We aim to complete renovations gradually until the end of 2025, involving local workers so this program can also help drive local economic development,” she explained.
The government hopes this program will serve as a concrete step in narrowing the educational gap. With proper facilities and a healthy learning environment, the quality of children’s education is expected to improve—aligned with the mission to shape an excellent and globally competitive generation.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf noted that the Sekolah Rakyat program will be implemented in stages. The initial phase has already been established in 100 locations, serving nearly 10,000 students. All supporting elements—including teachers, education staff, and principals—have been recruited and are ready to implement the program.
“We’re entering the next stage. Under the President’s direction, the two ministries will collaborate to expand the Sekolah Rakyat program in 2025 and 2026 by utilizing vocational training centers,” he said.
The government expects this infrastructure acceleration to structurally improve the quality of basic education. Quality schools will attract competent teachers, boost student motivation, and reduce the high dropout rates in underdeveloped, frontier, and remote (3T) areas. Equal education will serve as a key foundation for national unity and progress.
Renovating Sekolah Rakyat infrastructure is crucial, as many schools in remote regions remain in disrepair. Old buildings, leaky roofs, broken floors, and the lack of basic facilities such as toilets and clean water are still common. These conditions directly affect students’ comfort and safety during the learning process.
Through this initiative, the Prabowo administration affirms that education is not just a matter of policy—it is a matter of solidarity and inclusion. Schools that have long been neglected are now being placed at the heart of national priorities. With the spirit of “Golden Indonesia 2045”, equitable school development is a strategic move toward shaping a superior, globally competitive generation.
