Jakarta – The government has set July 2025 as the official start date for People’s Schools, a new national education program aimed at children from poor and extremely poor families. A total of 100 locations have been prepared for the initial implementation stage, with a target of covering almost 10,000 students from elementary, junior high, to high school levels. This program is designed as a form of direct state intervention in an effort to break the chain of poverty through education.
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that the People’s School program is a cross-ministerial priority in supporting the extreme poverty alleviation agenda.
“We ensure that all stages of preparation run according to schedule, including teacher recruitment, infrastructure development, and student selection,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta.
He added that the registration process for prospective educators has begun since mid-June and will be followed by intensive training in early July. The government also ensures that all learning facilities, including dormitories and supporting technological equipment, are available before the new school year begins in mid-July.
Head of the People’s School Formation Team, Mohammad Nuh, explained that 396 study groups had been formed in the initial stage.
“Each school will become a center for character and leadership development based on a boarding house with a digital approach. Students will get complete facilities, including iPads, uniforms, meals, and free accommodation,” he explained.
In several areas such as East Java and West Papua, building construction and land preparation have entered the final stages. People’s Schools are built on a minimum area of 8 hectares and are equipped with laboratories, sports facilities, and other supporting facilities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries in making this program a success.
“We are working with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of PAN-RB, PUPR, and are also supported by digital BUMN to ensure that People’s Schools become a superior education model for the poorest groups in Indonesia,” he said.
People’s Schools are targeted to reach children from decile groups 1 and 2 in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS). Student selection is carried out in a verified manner through a digital system and accompanied by Family Hope Program (PKH) officers.
This program is part of the government’s strategic steps towards the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 by ensuring that every child, without exception, has access to quality and sustainable education.
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