"In principle, we are convinced that North Maluku is one of the regions that is well-prepared to welcome the Sekolah Rakyat program -- an initiative promoted by President Prabowo Subianto to break the chains of poverty through education," the ministry's secretary-general, Robben Rico, remarked.
According to an official statement released on Monday, Rico made the remarks during a visit on Sunday (May 25) to review provincial preparations, accompanied by North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda and officials from relevant ministries.
Rico outlined a short-term plan for the program, explaining that the Social Affairs Ministry’s Wasana Bahagia Center in Ternate City would serve as a temporary facility for junior high school students.
Meanwhile, senior high school services will temporarily be held in buildings belonging to a drug abuse reporting center and an agricultural school in Sofifi, the provincial capital.
The official also praised the North Maluku government for its commitment to the initiative, highlighting its preparation of eight hectares of land in a village in West Halmahera District to construct a permanent school site.
The construction is scheduled to begin in June and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
The planned school -- fully funded by the state budget -- is envisioned to accommodate local children across elementary, junior high, and senior high levels, particularly those from poor and extremely poor families.
Governor Tjoanda, for her part, voiced her full support for the Sekolah Rakyat program, considering it an instrument for enhancing the quality of human resources in North Maluku.
"We hope this program will create employment opportunities and cater to the needs of children from economically disadvantaged families, giving them space to shape a better future," she remarked.
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Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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