“After three months, we conducted an evaluation. In general, the schools are running well and have started to make an impact that is being felt by the students and their families,” Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said in Jakarta.
Yusuf acknowledged that the toughest period came at the start of the learning process, but said conditions have since stabilized.
Using medical records for both students and teachers, the ministry identified health problems such as anemia and dental issues, which could then be addressed quickly.
Parents are also benefiting through free health checks provided under the government program.
“The hope is that the children’s health will continue to improve over time, while the parents can take advantage of the free healthcare services,” Yusuf said.
The minister noted the program’s role in boosting small businesses, including local firms producing school uniforms and jobs created through the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit under the Free Nutritious Meal Program.
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“In time, this program, which aimed to alleviate poverty through education, will bring numerous benefits,” he said.
The Sekolah Rakyat is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority projects, offering free, quality education to children from low-income families while seeking to break cycles of poverty.
It also serves as a model for integrated anti-poverty policy by linking free health checks, school meals, health insurance, the Red and White Village Cooperative, and the Three Million Houses Program.
At present, 100 schools are in operation nationwide.
The ministry aims to expand to 165 schools at elementary, junior and senior high levels by the 2025/2026 academic year, accommodating 15,895 students, 2,407 teachers and 4,442 staff.
It is also preparing a partnership with the National Nutrition Agency to provide healthy meals in the schools.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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