Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has established 166 People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) across the country by the end of this year, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said on Monday.

“There are 165 operational locations, and one more in Sragen, Central Java, is under construction, bringing the total to 166,” Yusuf said during a press briefing.

The schools, which cover elementary to secondary levels, currently serve around 16,000 students, supported by 2,400 teachers and 4,000 teaching staff, he added.

“Insha Allah, 166 is enough for this year,” he said.

The government aims to equip all People’s Schools with permanent buildings and complete facilities by next year, Yusuf said.

Citing a cabinet meeting, he noted that President Prabowo Subianto envisions each district and city eventually having at least one People’s School capable of accommodating more than 1,000 students.

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To ensure alignment with Prabowo’s vision of expanding quality education for all, the ministry will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the program’s progress on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Yusuf said the number of students is projected to increase to at least 46,000 next year as more schools are completed and facilities expanded.

The People’s School program is one of President Prabowo’s flagship initiatives to provide quality education for children from underprivileged families listed in the National Socio-Economic Integrated Database (DTSEN).

The initiative integrates several of the government’s poverty-reduction efforts, including the Free Health Checkup (CKG), Free Nutritious Meal (MBG), universal healthcare, Red and White Cooperative, and the construction of three million housing units.

To improve the quality of learning, the Social Affairs Ministry plans to equip the schools with modern technology such as interactive screens, high-speed internet access, laptops, and standardized uniforms for teachers and educators.

Yusuf emphasized that education remains central to the government’s broader effort to build social resilience and lift families out of poverty.

Related news: President Prabowo to equip 330,000 schools with digital screens



Reporter: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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