Cross-Sectoral Collaboration to Make People’s Schools a Success
By: Rizky Ridho )*
Education is the main pillar in realizing a nation’s civilization that is advanced, independent, and highly competitive. In facing the challenges of inequality in access and quality of education, especially in the 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, outermost) regions, the Indonesian Government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto has shown extraordinary commitment through the People’s School initiative, a breakthrough that is progressive, inclusive, and based on the real needs of the community.
People’s Schools are not just a symbol or a momentary project, but a real form of effort to present social justice and equal education for all children of the nation. This program is the answer to the education gap that has been deeply rooted, as well as a reflection of the state’s support for the poorest and most marginalized groups in society. This initiative marks the revival of the spirit of mutual cooperation in education, by prioritizing cross-sector collaboration: central and regional governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, and local communities.
People’s Schools are designed as non-formal educational institutions that are flexible, contextual, and community-based. This model accommodates the needs of children from underprivileged families who have been marginalized from the formal education system. The government is actively and concretely present through adaptive policies: starting from legalization of institutions, operational support, teacher training, to the preparation of contextual learning modules that are relevant to local needs.
Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), emphasized that the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) will start operating the People’s School in the 2025/2026 academic year. This program is one of President Prabowo’s flagship ideas, with the Ministry of Social Affairs as the main implementer. Recruitment of teachers and students will be carried out by the People’s School Formator Team, led by Mohammad Nuh. This shows the government’s seriousness in building a quality and equitable alternative education system.
Gus Ipul said that the People’s School curriculum is being refined together with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), as well as other technical ministries. One of the characteristics of this curriculum is the strengthening of character education, which is instilled through a 24-hour education pattern in the dormitory environment. Students not only receive academic materials, but are also equipped with strong life skills and character. In addition, according to the President’s direction, they will also receive reinforcement in mathematics, coding, and English, with the additional option of Arabic or Mandarin.
The government has set an ambitious target: to build 200 People’s Schools by 2025, complete with teacher and student dormitories, sports fields, and learning support technology facilities. With the boarding school concept, students get a conducive, intensive, and sustainable learning environment. Interestingly, this program is non-discriminatory: children from poor and extremely poor families, including those with low IQs, remain part of the program’s targets. This proves the government’s full commitment to the most vulnerable groups in society.
To date, 53 districts/cities have stated their readiness to open People’s Schools. The enthusiasm of the regions is quite high, even the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing continues to conduct surveys of more than 80 other districts/cities to prepare locations. This fact shows that People’s Schools have received a positive response as a solution for people-based education.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, emphasized that the People’s School curriculum is designed in a multi-entry and multi-exit model, allowing students to enter at different times but still undergo an integrated education process. This provides flexibility as well as a guarantee that all children continue to receive a decent education that is in accordance with their respective potentials.
Head of the Formatur Team, Mohammad Nuh, added that the People’s School curriculum will combine national standards with adjustments to the conditions of poor students and disadvantaged areas. This reflects the spirit of building an adaptive and transformative education system, without abandoning the quality standards set nationally.
People’s School is not just a building construction project or an alternative program, but a national movement to transform the face of Indonesian education from the grassroots. With a collaborative spirit, all elements of the nation are encouraged to take part: from village officials, religious organizations, to large companies. The contribution of each party, whether in the form of funds, human resources, or technical support, is an important foundation for the sustainability of this program.
