"Generally, this place is ready to be used as one of the locations for the Sekolah Rakyat. Mr Wijaya also stated that this center is quite good to start the free school," Yusuf noted in a written statement here on Saturday.
Representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; and the Ministry of Public Works also participated in the inspection.
After inspecting the classrooms, Yusuf and Wijaya evaluated the dormitories, a dining room, a sports field, a place of worship, and other facilities.
The two toured the 16-hectare social center complex aboard a golf cart.
Minister Yusuf said the visit was a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto's plan to establish Sekolah Rakyat.
He said that the social center is suitable for Sekolah Rakyat and requires only a few additional facilities to be officially launched.
He explained that the Sekolah Rakyat to be established at this social center in Bekasi is one of 100 such schools being prepared for this year.
Yusuf added that the Sekolah Rakyat will primarily serve children from poor and extremely poor families.
These children will receive education and character development training through the boarding school concept.
These children will have access to free education from elementary to high school levels.
Yusuf expressed hope that the improved education and quality of life provided by the Sekolah Rakyat will help break the cycle of poverty.
That way, Yusuf believes that poor and extremely poor families can rise and contribute to achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
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Translator: Hana, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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