“I find the idea of incorporating entrepreneurship and import-export skills into Sekolah Rakyat very compelling. At the Trade Ministry, we’ve also partnered with universities on similar initiatives,” Esti said during a visit to South Lampung District, Lampung Province, on Saturday.
She proposed involving Indonesia’s overseas trade representatives to help teach business and trade fundamentals to students in the program.
“This could benefit students who aspire to run their own businesses, especially those targeting international markets,” she said.
Esti highlighted that Sekolah Rakyat reflects President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s human capital through education.
Launched on July 14, the program had 100 operational sites as of August, with a target of 150 schools by year-end.
“To become a stronger and more competitive nation, Indonesia must improve the quality of its human resources,” she said.
Citing Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data, Esti noted that around three million children did not attend school in 2024, primarily due to financial barriers.
She emphasized that the free education initiative, designed for children from low-income and extremely poor families, is a strategic effort to increase school participation and reduce dropout rates.
“This program lays the groundwork for producing high-quality human capital. At the Trade Ministry, we’re eager to support it by offering entrepreneurial training for Sekolah Rakyat students,” Esti said.
Translator: Ruth I, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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