By: Yandi Arya Adinegara*
 
Amidst the dynamics of national development, equitable access to education remains a major challenge for children from underprivileged families. However, the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has made a significant breakthrough through the People’s School Program. This program not only provides free education but also symbolizes the government’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and increasing social equality in Indonesia.
 
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the existence of People’s Schools has provided opportunities for children who previously had difficulty obtaining an education due to economic constraints. He emphasized the importance of having the courage to change and break the cycle of poverty, and not giving up on circumstances.
 
To date, 166 People’s Schools have been established, covering elementary to high school levels. This figure exceeds the government’s initial target of building 100 schools by the middle of next year. More than 15,945 students from extremely poor families now enjoy free education, boarding, and meals provided by the government.
President Prabowo is optimistic that the target of building 500 People’s Schools will be achieved by the end of his term, enabling this program to help at least 500,000 families from the lowest social strata.
People’s Schools not only provide formal education but also emphasize character building, vocational skills, independence, and national values. This program is at the heart of efforts to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.
Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Rini Widyanti, explained that people’s schools were built so that the next generation learns the meaning of hard work, responsibility, and love for the country.
The success of People’s Schools is evident in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Makassar’s Junior High School (SRMP) 23 is a concrete example that free education with complete facilities is not just a promise, but a reality experienced by the community.
Students no longer need to worry about tuition fees, books, or boarding costs. All basic educational needs are covered by the state. Since its opening, SRMP 23 Makassar has accommodated its first class of 137 students, all from poor families.
Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM) Muhaimin Iskandar, also known as Cak Imin, added that the People’s School is one of the government’s efforts to break the cycle of poverty through education and community empowerment. He described the People’s School as a beacon of justice that ignites hope so that every Indonesian child, regardless of origin, can enjoy the light of knowledge and walk a dignified path toward a prosperous Indonesia.
The People’s School is expected to be a source of inspiration and transformation for national education, as well as to encourage the early detection of children’s talents and abilities so that each individual can develop according to their capacity.
The People’s School program also receives cross-ministerial support. The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) provides internet services to support digital learning, while the Ministry of Social Affairs facilitates the construction and management of dormitories, as well as the identification of students from families in deciles 1 and 2 through coordination with the Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the Social Services Agency, and the Education Agency. This cross-sectoral support ensures the program is on target and the quality of education is maintained.
In addition to providing formal education, the People’s School instills the values of togetherness and solidarity. Students live in dormitories, study and eat together, and participate in extracurricular activities that build character.
This environment becomes a second home, teaching children about cooperation, discipline, and responsibility. This is evident in marching activities, leadership training, and regular arts and sports activities.
The People’s School is a tangible example of the program’s social impact. It provides equal opportunities for all children to achieve their dreams, regardless of economic background. ¬†
The government is targeting the sustainability and expansion of the People’s School program, including through a strong legal framework to ensure that, despite changes in government, access to quality education for children from poor families remains guaranteed.
 
The transformation of national education through People’s Schools is believed to be the foundation for poverty alleviation, improving the quality of human resources, and fostering an independent, creative, and highly competitive society.
 
In the context of Indonesia’s ongoing reforms toward social justice, People’s Schools are not just an educational program; they are alsoIt is also a tangible symbol of the government’s commitment to realizing equal access to education. This program proves that when the government is present, children from underprivileged families no longer miss out on the opportunity to learn, dream, and grow into a generation capable of elevating the nation’s dignity and honor.
 
With the People’s School, hopes that had once dimmed are now rekindled. Education is no longer a privilege, but the right of all Indonesian children, regardless of their background. In every classroom, dormitory, and schoolyard, children ignite hope, reimagine their dreams, and confidently step into the future.
 
The People’s School has become a beacon guiding their steps towards a better life, proving that education is the true key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a progressive Indonesia.
 
)*The author is a social observer
