JAKARTA — The government has inaugurated 166 People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) across various regions as a step to expand access to education for those in the most difficult economic situations. This program has received praise from the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Rini Widyantini, who believes the presence of the People’s Schools aligns with the government’s broader human development agenda under the Asta Cita umbrella.
Rini stated that the People’s School not only provides free education but also builds a supportive ecosystem that addresses all students’ basic needs, from nutritional needs and healthcare to character building. She noted that this approach aligns with various priority programs, such as Free Nutritious Meals, Free Health Checks, the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative, and Public Housing.
“This is the President’s program to bring the government closer to the people. The smaller the gap between government agencies and the people, the more the people will experience improved prosperity,” said Rini.
She added that although the People’s School falls under the authority of the Ministry of Social Affairs, program implementation involves collaboration across ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, Rini said, plays a role in ensuring consistent governance, human resource needs, and the application of the merit system to ensure the program’s sustainability.
“This is the spirit of bureaucratic reform that we are promoting: a bureaucracy that works together, transcends organizational barriers, and avoids being trapped by sectoral egos,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi viewed the inauguration of the People’s School as a significant milestone, affirming the state’s presence in providing equitable education services. He stated that approximately 15,000 students from elementary, middle, and high school levels have participated in teaching and learning activities at the school.
“Today is not just the inauguration of the People’s School, but also a moment for all of us that the state is present, the government is present,” said Prasetyo.
He explained that this program is aimed at families in the most difficult economic situations. The government is continuing the implementation of the People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) despite initial skepticism from some parties. Prasetyo ensured that the program runs in conjunction with efforts to strengthen regular schools.
“This year, we are targeting renovations of at least 60,000 schools. We are also continuing to improve the quality of teachers and enhancing learning facilities,” said Prasetyo.
In addition, the government has distributed 288,000 interactive panels to schools by 2025 as part of the modernization of educational facilities. He emphasized that education is a crucial pillar in the government’s strategy toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
“We are fixing our economy, securing our food supply, and education is the key to the nation’s revival,” he said.
