Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated on Thursday that out of the 100 schools, 63 had begun operations in July, while the remaining 37 would start in early to mid-August.
Three schools will begin operations on August 1 in Lebak District, Ponorogo District, and Pasuruan City. Five more will follow on August 5, and the remaining 29 will commence operations on August 15.
According to Yusuf, the delay in some schools is due to ongoing renovations of school buildings and dormitories, which the Ministry of Public Works (PU) is still completing.
"However, teachers, all educational staff, and students are ready for teaching and learning activities," he remarked.
He acknowledged that 115 students, or 1.4 percent of the total enrollment, had withdrawn, with the highest number of withdrawals coming from Sulawesi and Java - amounting to 35 students.
Yusuf noted that the schools not yet operational remain unaffected since the learning process has yet to begin.
Furthermore, other schools that are already operating have completed the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS), and students are now entering the three-month matriculation phase, he stated.
This matriculation phase includes basic courses in subjects such as Indonesian, English, mathematics, and others, intended to align students' understanding before formal education starts.
His side is also planning a briefing by President Prabowo Subianto for all principals and teachers of Sekolah Rakyat after the Indonesian Independence Day commemoration on August 17, 2025, as a form of support for educational transformation.
Sekolah Rakyat is a boarding school program spanning elementary, junior high, and senior high levels, launched by President Prabowo Subianto to address the educational needs of children from poor and extremely poor families.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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