By: Yandi Arya Adinegara*
As time goes by, one of the biggest challenges facing Indonesia in education is the gap in access to technology. This is a significant problem for remote areas and communities living below the poverty line. However, the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s School) program, currently being promoted by the government, offers a breath of fresh air for the future of education in Indonesia, particularly in terms of equitable access to technology.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that technology is accessible to all levels of society, including those in remote areas or lower-middle-class communities. This was conveyed during a visit to Sekolah Rakyat SMA 10 Marguna in Jakarta. This program focuses not only on providing adequate educational facilities but also on equitable digitalization of education through the use of advanced technology.
The government plans to increase the number of People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) to 165 by the end of September 2025 and continue expanding the program, targeting 500 schools in the coming years. This program focuses heavily on children who were previously forced to drop out of school due to economic hardship, providing them with the opportunity to continue their education in a supportive and motivating environment. This is where technology plays a crucial role, as a tool to ensure every child, from Sabang to Merauke, receives an equal education.
The importance of technology in education, particularly in the context of People’s Schools, extends beyond providing access to learning materials to bridge the gap in teaching quality. This year, the government has begun distributing smart digital screens to schools, with a target of 100,000 units by the end of the year. This technology allows students to learn through interactive media, such as animations and other digital content, and to access learning materials from home if they are unable to attend school. With these smart screens, children in areas with teacher shortages can learn from top-tier teachers, who will teach online.
The Smart TVs used in the People’s Schools feature interactive features and cameras, allowing for direct monitoring of the teaching and learning process. With this technology, students can access learning materials anytime, even via mobile phones. This is certainly a major step in ensuring that the digitalization of education occurs not only in large cities, but also throughout Indonesia.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized the importance of equitable distribution of digital devices to ensure every Indonesian child has equal opportunities. This program aims not only to provide hardware such as laptops and digital TVs, but also to ensure that this distribution reaches the most remote areas of Indonesia. Equitable distribution of laptops is a priority to ensure that no child is left behind. This program aims to ensure that every child, from elementary to high school, has equal access to technology, supports distance learning, and provides access to a decent education.
Furthermore, more broadly, the People’s Schools are also part of the government’s efforts to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. The Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Nunuk Suryani, explained that the People’s School program aims not only to provide education but also to build character and vocational skills. This is expected to produce a resilient, creative young generation ready to compete globally. People’s Schools symbolize the state’s presence in providing equal opportunities for every child of the nation, regardless of social or economic background.
Of course, the development of People’s Schools goes beyond digitalization and equalizing facilities. The government also continues to prioritize the quality of educators. Teachers at People’s Schools are selected from certified professionals who meet strict selection standards. Furthermore, intensive technology-based training is conducted periodically to improve the competency of teachers and principals throughout Indonesia.
Undeniably, the People’s School program represents a significant breakthrough in addressing the challenge of equal access to education in Indonesia. By integrating technology into the teaching and learning process, it is hoped that the educational gap that has existed between urban and rural areas can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by distributing this technology to every school,Across the country, the government is also opening opportunities for children from underprivileged families to pursue their dreams, enabling them to escape poverty and contribute to the nation’s progress.
The People’s School Program is not just a mere discourse, but a concrete effort implemented annually. The government remains committed to reducing socio-economic inequality by providing equal access to education for all Indonesian children. With digitalization as the key, equitable access to quality education is now no longer just a dream, but an increasingly achievable reality.
Equalizing the digitalization of People’s Schools is a crucial step to ensure a brighter future for Indonesian children. As a large country facing diverse challenges, the presence of technology in education is the right answer to open equal opportunities for all children, from the eastern to the western tip of Indonesia. This is an investment in the future that will lead Indonesia towards more equitable and inclusive progress.
)*The author is a social observer
