"We want to provide accessible educational facilities that we hope can break the chain of poverty"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated here on Monday that the tuition-free school program Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) is prioritized for implementation in poverty pockets to break the chain of deprivation.

This year, the program aims to cover 200 schools, with 147 new schools to be built first and 53 schools already available.

"We are pursuing the target of 200 schools this year for the initial phase. Currently, 53 schools are ready and only need renovation, optimization," he explained.

On Monday, the minister met with Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf and Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo in Jakarta. State-owned enterprises (SOEs) from the construction sector were also present at the meeting.

Hadi said all parties reported readiness to open the free schools by June.

"Today, we coordinated with SOEs that will be tasked with carrying out renovations in places and assets that we have, whether owned by ministries, agencies, provincial governments, or district governments," he remarked.

Several schools will also be built based on proposals from districts providing the areas.

"We want to provide accessible educational facilities that we hope can break the chain of poverty," he said.

Earlier, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo here on Wednesday (April 9) emphasized his ministry's readiness to construct the necessary facilities and infrastructure for the tuition-free school program.

Hanggodo described the Sekolah Rakyat program as a necessary initiative to provide equal access to quality education for all Indonesian children, particularly those from disadvantaged families.

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

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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