"Students will receive academic instruction, discipline and character-building education, talent mapping to identify their strengths, and routine health check-ups," Minister Yusuf said during a visit to Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 46 Muncar in Banyuwangi District, East Java, on Friday.
In addition, students receive three meals and two snacks daily, as well as school supplies including uniforms, stationery, and laptops.
Yusuf noted that over four million school-age children in Indonesia are out of school due to financial hardship.
"Sekolah Rakyat offers these children a supportive environment so they can focus fully on their studies without economic worries and other burdens," he said.
He added that the program addresses the issue of limited educational access for underprivileged communities.
"The President’s hope is that quality education becomes a way to a better future," Yusuf stated.
A parent, Komariyah, expressed relief after hearing the minister's explanation, saying her daughter, now attending Sekolah Rakyat at the high school level, can have a brighter future by attending education.
"As a single parent selling vegetables to make ends meet, I am grateful my daughter has this opportunity," she said.
Banyuwangi District Head Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed full support for the program, noting that the district has allocated six to seven hectares for a permanent Sekolah Rakyat school, targeted for construction next year with support from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
"The Social Minister has stated that the permanent Sekolah Rakyat school in Banyuwangi will be a development priority next year. We have already prepared the land and submitted it to the Ministry of Social Affairs for follow-up," Fiestiandani said.
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Translator: Novi, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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