"We will ensure the availability of basic infrastructure, such as school buildings, dormitories, sanitation, and other facilities supportive of learning activities," he said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Hanggodo described the Sekolah Rakyat program as a necessary initiative to provide equal access to quality educational services to all Indonesian children, especially those coming from economically disadvantaged families.
He expressed confidence that by backing the program, the Ministry of Public Works will contribute to President Prabowo Subianto's push for educational reform, which is seen as necessary to realize the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
"Reliable infrastructure will serve as a potent foundation for the younger generation to shape a better future," he stressed.
The minister, however, acknowledged that the success of the free school program will depend on comprehensive collaboration, not only between ministries but also between the central and regional governments.
He made the remarks during a coordination meeting hosted by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, who lauded the Public Works Ministry's support for the program.
Yusuf highlighted that the plan is to build and operate 53 schools in the initial phase of the program's implementation.
"For the initial phase, we already have 45 schools that are well-prepared to operate in the upcoming academic year. We are optimistic that the other eight schools will soon be ready," he said.
Through the Sekolah Rakyat program, President Prabowo's administration intends to develop boarding schools for children from families categorized as poor or extremely poor across the country.
According to the President, the program is expected to serve as a strategic instrument for breaking the chain of poverty through the education sector.
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Translator: Aji C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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