The Ministry of Social Affairs Strengthens Digital Transformation of Public Schools to Break the Chain of Poverty
JAKARTA – The Ministry of Social Affairs is accelerating the digital transformation of People’s Schools as part of the national strategy to break the chain of intergenerational poverty. Strengthening educational technology is seen as key to improving the quality of learning, expanding the reach of educational services, and ensuring that children from poor and extremely poor families receive equal learning opportunities compared to those in other regions.
This concrete step was realized through the distribution of 16,000 laptops to students and teachers at Public Schools. These devices are designed not only as learning aids but also as a gateway to strengthening digital literacy, technological mastery, and increasing the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes in various regions, including those with limited access to education.
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasized that the use of technology is an important foundation in the implementation of People’s Schools.
“Distribution has begun. All students are guaranteed to receive them; there are 16,000 units,” said Saifullah Yusuf.
Laptop distribution is being carried out in stages and in a measured manner to ensure targeted distribution. Each student receives a laptop that can be used to access digital learning materials, participate in online classes, and interact more intensively with teachers. This policy is expected to create a learning ecosystem that is adaptive and relevant to current developments.
In addition to students, teachers at the People’s Schools also receive the same equipment support. This support is designed to improve teaching quality and facilitate the implementation of technology-based learning methods.
“The teachers also received one. Each student received one laptop. Everything has been distributed,” added Saifullah Yusuf.
Strengthening digital transformation doesn’t stop at providing devices. The Ministry of Social Affairs is also providing training for teachers, including the use of learning management systems (LMS) and digital learning modules. This approach is believed to improve cost and time efficiency while maintaining educational quality standards in Elementary Schools.
Furthermore, People’s Schools are projected as a long-term instrument to improve the quality of human resources from underprivileged families.
“People’s Schools exist to stop the intergenerational cycle of poverty and ensure that children from poor families receive a quality education,” Saifullah Yusuf emphasized.
President Prabowo Subianto also expressed support for the use of educational technology. The Head of State believes digital transformation in the education sector is an urgent need, particularly to reach regions still facing a shortage of teaching staff.
“Utilizing information technology is crucial for helping remote areas facing teacher shortages and improving the capacity of teaching staff,” said Prabowo Subianto.
Through the integration of technology, teacher training, and affirmative action policies for vulnerable groups, the People’s School is geared towards becoming an adaptive, inclusive education model. This effort is expected to not only improve the quality of learning but also pave the way for more equitable and sustainable social mobility.
