Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government established a dedicated task force to build the infrastructure and facilities necessary for implementing the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program aimed at providing equitable access to quality education nationwide.

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo issued a decree formalizing the formation of the task force on April 11, 2025.

According to the decree, cited in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Sekolah Rakyat Task Force is mandated to assist the minister in coordinating, planning, and executing the development of educational infrastructure in an innovative and accountable manner.

The task force is also responsible for optimizing supporting infrastructure to accelerate the implementation of the program, which primarily targets children from economically disadvantaged families.

In addition, the task force is tasked with identifying, mitigating, and resolving any challenges or obstacles that may arise, as well as monitoring and evaluating the construction of all necessary facilities.

The decree also outlines the organizational structure of the task force, listing Minister Hanggodo and his deputy, Diana Kusumastuti, as directors, Public Works Ministry's Director General of Strategic Infrastructure and Facilities, Maulidya Junica, as chairperson, and the director general's secretary, Essy Asiah, as secretary.

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This task force will utilize the ministry's budget for its operations until December 31, 2029, at the latest.

Earlier, Minister Hanggodo emphasized his ministry's readiness to construct the necessary facilities and infrastructure for the tuition-free school program.

"We will ensure the availability of basic infrastructure, such as school buildings, dormitories, sanitation, and other facilities supportive of learning activities," he stated in Jakarta on April 9.

He expressed confidence that by supporting the program, the Ministry of Public Works will contribute to President Prabowo Subianto's push for educational reform, which is deemed essential for achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

"Reliable infrastructure will serve as a potent foundation for the younger generation to shape a better future," he stressed.

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