Jakarta – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the People’s School Program is implemented fairly, cleanly, and effectively, without the use of bribes or bribery. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, made this statement as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to guaranteeing the right to education for children from underprivileged families.
Gus Ipul urged all People’s School student selection officers to carry out their duties professionally and with integrity. He emphasized that the selection process must be free from personal interests or interference from certain parties that could potentially undermine the program’s noble goals. “So, we expect the selection team to be fair, with no favors, no bribes,” Gus Ipul said. He emphasized that only children who truly meet the criteria are eligible for admission to People’s Schools. “But only those who truly meet the criteria to attend people’s schools. That is a clear directive from the President,” he added.
Furthermore, Gus Ipul emphasized the importance of inter-institutional synergy in the selection process to ensure that student admissions truly target those in need. He hopes that the selection teams in the field will be able to coordinate intensively with the Social Services Agency, the Primary and Secondary Education Agency, and the Central Statistics Agency in their respective regions. “We want field officers to be truly consistent, working closely with the local Social Services Agency, the local Elementary and Secondary Education Agency, and the local Statistics Agency to target those in Deciles 1 and 2,” he said.
The government’s assertion received support from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII, Singgih Januratmoko, requested that the People’s School Program be implemented selectively and targeted, particularly for children from poor and vulnerable families. He stated that the program’s success is measured not only by the number of students enrolled, but also by its social impact.
Singgih also highlighted the importance of strengthening the role of Sub-district Social Welfare Workers (TKSK) and other social workers. He emphasized the importance of social workers actively working directly in the field to detect family vulnerabilities early, including psychological distress experienced by children from low-income families. This is considered crucial to ensure that state intervention through Public Schools truly addresses the educational needs and overall well-being of children.
Furthermore, Singgih emphasized that the implementation of the People’s School program must be based on up-to-date and verified poverty data. He emphasized that this program should not simply pursue physical or administrative targets, but rather focus on the sustainability of the younger generation’s future. “Indonesia’s future is determined by how we treat children today,” Singgih said.
With strong government commitment and parliamentary support, the People’s School Program is expected to become a strategic instrument for breaking the cycle of poverty through equitable, transparent, and socially just access to education. (*)
