He said an additional 60 schools will open in September, each accommodating about 100 students.
"So, in total, 16,000 students will begin learning in 2025 and 2026," he said after attending the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) in Jakarta on Friday.
The Sekolah Rakyat program is being rolled out in stages, with the first phase establishing 100 schools across the country by August.
Yusuf said the ministry is consolidating all facilities and infrastructure in collaboration with other ministries and institutions to ensure the schools operate optimally.
Government-provided facilities include classrooms, dormitories, educational equipment, and technological support such as laptops.
Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) is one of the government's priority programs, aimed at children from families with the lowest welfare levels (deciles 1-2) listed in the National Integrated Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN).
The program's concept combines boarding school education with health insurance and family economic empowerment.
In his State Address at the MPR annual session on Friday, President Prabowo Subianto expressed hope that the number of Sekolah Rakyat will grow by 200–300 schools each year to ensure quality education for all children.
Yusuf said the ministry will make every effort to fulfill the president's vision.
"God willing, that is what we must implement and translate well. The president has provided clear direction that the implementation of Sekolah Rakyat is part of poverty alleviation," he said.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Anton Santoso
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