He also thanked the president for attending and briefing the teachers and principals of the Sekolah Rakyat on Friday (August 22) at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
"Thank you for your presence, Mr. President. The president initiates the Sekolah Rakyat program which is being run by the Ministry of Social Affairs and other ministries/institutions," he stated on Sunday.
During the briefing, the head of state reminded teachers and principals to properly prepare and guide the nation's young leaders who will break the cycle of poverty in Indonesia.
According to Priyono, Sekolah Rakyat is currently in its initial stages, where the next stage will establish permanent schools.
Currently, there are 165 Sekolah Rakyat units throughout the country, with a total of 15,895 students, 641 study groups, 2,407 teachers, and 4,442 education staff.
Therefore, the deputy minister invited related parties to succeed the Sekolah Rakyat program and break the cycle of poverty.
This way, a just and prosperous Indonesian society will be realized, as envisioned by the nation's founders.
"We invite all elements of the nation to work together to succeed this program," he emphasized.
Sekolah Rakyat are boarding schools initiated by President Prabowo's administration. The program was first launched in July 2025, targeting students from underprivileged families.
Their school tuition will be free of charge, along with the provision of necessary facilities for education and living in a boarding school.
Earlier, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf announced that the 2025 State Budget allocates Rp1.1 trillion (US$65 million) for Sekolah Rakyat, primarily funding laptops and uniforms for over 15 thousand students.
President Prabowo also aims to have 200 Sekolah Rakyat operational across Indonesia by the end of this year.
Related news: RI Govt drafts plan to boost Sekolah Rakyat teachers' skills
Related news: Indonesia earmarks Rp2.14 trillion for Sekolah Rakyat
Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
