Government Targets Construction of 53 People’s Schools in 2025

Jakarta – The government is targeting the construction of 53 new People’s Schools (SR) in the 2025 budget year through the Ministry of Education and Culture. This initiative is part of a national strategic program to expand access to equitable, inclusive, and affordable education, especially for people in disadvantaged, outermost, and remote areas (3T).

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that People’s Schools not only function as educational institutions, but also as a means of empowerment for poor families.

“Children of the poor should not be poor. If the father is a scavenger, the child should not become a scavenger. We must empower them,” said the President.

People’s Schools are designed as boarding schools with complete facilities: classrooms, dormitories, places of worship, canteens, and sports facilities. This program targets children from Decile 1 and Decile 2 groups in the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN)—community groups with the highest levels of economic vulnerability.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) said that infrastructure readiness has reached a significant stage.

“We report that as of today there are more than 50 locations, 53 locations to be exact, that are ready to host this People’s School,” said Gus Ipul.

He added that the implementation of the program does not only focus on the curriculum, but also pays attention to overall readiness, including supporting facilities and the availability of land.

“The next thing we are also doing is preparation according to the President’s direction to build People’s Schools this year in 200 locations. In districts, cities or provinces that truly meet the requirements. Starting from the provision of land, then indeed being at the base of poverty, and the fulfillment of other needs,” he continued.

The People’s School program is an important part of the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, with a target of each district having at least one People’s School in the next five years. The government is opening up collaboration with various parties, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to ensure the success of this program through ongoing support.