Strengthening Public Schools, the Government Commits to Providing Equal Access to Education
Jakarta – Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf urged dormitory guardians and foster carers at public schools across East Java to work wholeheartedly in caring for and guiding students. He made the call while attending a Technical Guidance event for Public School Principals and Education Personnel (Tendik) at the East Java Provincial Human Resources Development Center (BPSDM) on Friday (January 16, 2026).
At the event, attended by 26 elementary school principals, 91 dormitory guardians, and 86 foster parents from various regions in East Java, Gus Ipul—Saifullah Yusuf’s nickname—encouraged all student chaperones to recite a pledge together. The pledge affirmed their moral commitment to fulfilling the state’s mandate to expand access to education for children from vulnerable families.
“I, the dormitory guardian and foster guardian of the People’s Schools throughout East Java, am ready to work well according to the established guidelines, ready to work earnestly and wholeheartedly to care for and guide the People’s School students to become agents of change and truly able to break the chain of poverty,” said Gus Ipul.
He emphasized that the People’s School is no ordinary school. This program is designed as a state instrument for poverty alleviation through education integrated with protection, rehabilitation, and social empowerment. He stated that People’s School students are a group that has been overlooked.
“The children present here are the invisible people, whose suffering cannot be seen. Hope or hope is their last treasure, and our job is to maintain and strengthen that hope,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Nuh, Head of the People’s School Formation Team, emphasized that the key to the success of the People’s School lies in the dedication of the educators in supporting the children. He believes that loyalty that goes beyond formal obligations is a key asset in shaping students’ character and future.
“The most expensive thing in managing this People’s School is loyalty,” said Nuh.
He also emphasized the importance of character-based education and life skills reinforced through a boarding system, so that each child’s unique potential can be discovered and developed.
The event also featured performances by students from Elementary Schools across East Java, including songs, poetry readings, and speeches in various foreign languages. The performances were praised by Khofifah Indar Parawansa, who affirmed the East Java Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting the Elementary School program.
To date, the government has opened 166 pilot public schools in various regions, with East Java having the largest number of schools, with 26. This program is seen as a strategic step by the government to expand access to equitable and inclusive education for children who have traditionally been marginalized.
