"If parents are poor, we must ensure their children do not remain poor. This begins with sending them to school," Yusuf stated in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Yusuf made the remarks during a discussion with Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti on Tuesday.
The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and expedite the establishment of free people's schools, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto.
"The free schools will support underprivileged students, particularly those from extremely poor families, enabling them to attend school for free and receive a quality education," Yusuf explained.
He emphasized that people's schools will be designed as boarding schools to ensure education is not only free and high quality but also provides students with adequate nutritious meals.
Mu'ti welcomed Yusuf's support and affirmed that his ministry is prepared to collaborate in establishing people's schools as soon as possible.
"The current student admissions process actually aims to support those who cannot afford education. Among the pathways is an affirmative program for underprivileged children and children with disabilities," Mu'ti stated.
He explained that with the establishment of free schools, children from underprivileged backgrounds can now attend public schools at no cost.
He noted that his ministry has also deployed educational volunteers to remote areas with small populations where constructing schools is unfeasible.
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Translator: Lintang P, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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