The program, aligned with Prabowo's fourth Asta Cita priority — human capital development — aims to expand access to education, science, health, sports, gender equality, and empowerment for women, youth, and people with disabilities.
"We worked with provincial religious offices to identify and recommend Islamic education teachers for the Sekolah Rakyat sites," said M. Munir, director of Islamic Education at the ministry, on Thursday.
The schools have been launched in 100 locations across the country since mid-July this year.
Related news: Sekolah Rakyat meets President Prabowo's expectations: Minister
Teachers recommended by regional offices underwent a selection process led by a cross-agency panel including the ministries of religious affairs, social affairs, education, and the national civil service and counterterrorism bodies.
“A total of 98 teachers have passed the selection and are now placed in the schools,” Munir said.
Those teachers are participating in a national training program for teachers and principals at Jakarta’s JIEXPO Kemayoran on August 21–23.
An additional 59 teachers are currently being processed to support new schools, following the expansion of the program to 59 more locations.
The government aims to establish at least 165 people's schools by 2025, expected to provide free, quality formal, religious, and character education for 15,895 students across the elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.
Related news: Minister Saifullah Yusuf says Sekolah Rakyat breaks cycle of poverty
Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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