"We are asking for the locations of the People's Schools. From there, we can identify which areas already have networks, and then we can help communicate," said Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo during a meeting with Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He emphasized that to support the implementation of the People's School program nationwide, especially in the digitalization process, reliable internet access is crucial, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
Prabowo noted that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs will assist the Ministry of Social Affairs by providing internet access for People's Schools, including those in 3T regions, through communication and coordination with network providers.
The ministry will also promote the People's School program to the broader public through digital platforms such as social media.
He stressed that raising awareness about the program is important so that people understand how the People's School has succeeded in reaching children from poor and extremely poor families.
On the same occasion, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf said the People's School is one of the mandates entrusted to his ministry by President Prabowo Subianto.
According to him, there are three key principles of the People's School program: honoring ordinary people, reaching underprivileged communities, and creating opportunities.
"With the People's School, their dreams are unlocked. Those who had once lost hope can now revive it and see new possibilities," he remarked.
The Ministry of Social Affairs will soon establish a People's School Operational Control Task Force, which will be responsible for responding quickly and effectively to issues arising within the program.
Since its launch on July 14, 2025, 100 pilot People's Schools have been established. The number is expected to increase to 165 by September.
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Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Primayanti
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