Jakarta — The government, through Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 8 of 2025, has assigned more than 40 ministries and institutions to work together in poverty alleviation programs, one of which is through the implementation of People’s Schools.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) explained that the People’s School is a direct program from the President.
“The President has ordered the Ministry of Social Affairs to implement the People’s School because the approach is poverty,” he said.
He added that the implementation of this program is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
“All Ministries and Institutions together with the Ministry of Social Affairs support and realize the People’s School program,” said Gus Ipul.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is tasked with preparing teachers and curriculum, while the National Nutrition Agency will provide food for students living in dormitories. The verification process for prospective students also involves BPS and the Social Service.
“Direct verification and validation will be carried out together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Then from BPS and the local Social Service,” explained Gus Ipul. I
a emphasized that the People’s School is a shared task of all ministries and institutions. “This is not only the task of the Ministry of Social Affairs. But a shared task with other Ministries and Institutions.”
In a separate place, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono called this program a strategic step to break the chain of intergenerational poverty.
“The President asked for the People’s Schools to be at the elementary, junior high, and senior high levels. Each school is expected to have 1,000 students and we are ordered to be able to open schools in 100 locations this year,” he said.
The People’s School is designed as a boarding school with complete facilities, including laboratories, sports facilities, and basic student needs provided free of charge.
“We don’t give the students books or chalk, but they already use iPads,” said Agus Jabo.
In the initial stage, the People’s School will be opened in 65 locations with priority areas in East Java, Central Java, West Java, and Banten. The government is targeting each district/city to have at least one People’s School.***
