Jakarta – Inclusive education is an important foundation in building a just and equal society. In this context, Sekolah Rakyat plays a central role as a pioneer of inclusive education that not only provides learning space for all, but also prioritizes the values of humanity, equality, and diversity.
Sekolah Rakyat is a community-based initiative that grows from the bottom, directly responding to the educational needs of communities that have not been touched by the formal system. The presence of Sekolah Rakyat provides a breath of fresh air for children from poor families, informal workers, street children, people with disabilities, to children from indigenous communities and conflict areas who are often neglected in the national education system.
East Java Governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa said that she is currently ensuring the readiness of two People’s School (SR) locations in the Surabaya State University (Unesa) Lidah Wetan Campus to start operating in July 2025.
The two locations include the Anti-Doping Laboratory Building, as the main learning building and the Student Dormitory Building as a residence for SR students.
“This will be a Special People’s School, because all facilities have been designed to be friendly for children with special needs (ABK). This is a real form of inclusivity in education,” said Khofifah
Khofifah said that the superior facilities owned by Unesa, such as health clinics, complete sports facilities, and accessibility for the disabled, make this campus a strategic location for SR in Surabaya.
“Unesa is a National Sport Science-based campus, very suitable to support the development of SR student talents,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Unesa Rector, Nurhasan, stated Unesa’s full readiness to support the Sekolah Rakyat program. This SR program is expected to be a solution to breaking the chain of poverty, through quality and inclusive education, as well as being a model for other regions.
“Our facilities are supportive, especially for inclusive education. The dormitory is ready to accommodate 150 students. If assigned, we are ready starting in July,” said Nurhasan.
Sekolah Rakyat has proven that inclusive education is not impossible. In the midst of limitations, they are present as a light of hope for marginalized children. With the spirit of togetherness and care, Sekolah Rakyat affirms that equal and just education is the right of every human being.
Therefore, it is fitting that the central role of People’s Schools in building an inclusive education system continues to be appreciated, strengthened, and made an integral part of Indonesia’s grand human development agenda.
