Jakarta – The government has confirmed that the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program will officially commence operations in the new academic year of 2025/2026, starting in July 2025. This program is a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, aimed at providing free and quality education for children from underprivileged families, while serving as a concrete step in breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf affirmed the government’s readiness to implement the program.
“We are targeting 100 Sekolah Rakyat to begin operations this year as part of our commitment to providing equitable education services for the poor,” he said.
The Sekolah Rakyat concept is modeled after boarding schools, offering complete facilities and the national education curriculum. In addition, students will receive character-building education, digital literacy, and vocational training to prepare them for future challenges.
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Robben Rico, revealed that President Prabowo Subianto had issued a directive to expand the program with an additional 100 pilot locations, bringing the total planned number of Sekolah Rakyat to 200 by the end of this year.
“The President gave a direct instruction from Russia to add 100 new pilot schools by utilizing vocational training centers (BLKs) spread across the country,” said Robben.
He added that preparations are ongoing with the involvement of various central and regional government stakeholders. A Sekolah Rakyat Implementation Team has been formed, consisting of a cross-ministerial task force and regional government representatives.
“For the initial phase, 100 locations have been designated and will begin academic activities in July 2025,” he explained.
To support initial operations, the government will adopt a temporary building use scheme for one year.
“These buildings will be renovated and returned in proper condition to the local governments. Next year, God willing, these pilot schools will move to newly built campuses initiated by the President,” he added.
Robben also noted that 100 plots of land, each ranging from 6.3 to 10 hectares, have been proposed and are ready for development starting in August. He emphasized the crucial role of local governments in the success of the program.
“The concept mirrors that of SMA Taruna Nusantara—each site will include elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, with 100 percent of the facilities funded by the national budget (APBN). Local government support will be key to the program’s success,” he said.
Through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative, the government aims to create a generation of excellence ready to embrace the future of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045).
“These children will receive formal national education along with character development and skills training, so that in 20 years, they will be well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s progress,” Robben concluded.
