“Administratively, the process is currently underway with the Magelang District Government. We hope all requirements will be completed by mid-November 2025 so construction can begin immediately,” Priyono said while inspecting the site on Sunday.
The Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) program is an Indonesian government program aimed at directly addressing poverty by ensuring educational equity.
It aims to provide quality education for children from underprivileged and extremely poor families, with the main goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Sekolah Rakyat site in Magelang spans 10 hectares in the highland area of Girirejo Village, Kaliangkrik District.
It is intended for two pilot Sekolah Rakyat: high school level Sekolah Rakyat (SRMA) 43 in Sentra Antasena Social Center and SRMA 15 in Tegalrejo Job Training Center, each currently enrolling 100 students.
“Delays in construction could disrupt student recruitment for next year. Therefore, we encourage the Public Works office to work quickly so the project can start this year, allowing the 2026 academic year to welcome new students,” Priyono added.
Girirejo Village Head Soleh Ismail expressed strong community support for the permanent Sekolah Rakyat establishment.
“Our residents are very happy. The schools will make education more accessible for children and open new economic opportunities for local residents,” Ismail said, noting that small home-based businesses could benefit from activities around the schools.
He emphasized that the project could empower residents, providing both educational and economic benefits.
The school site in Girirejo offers scenic views of Mount Sumbing and cool air.
“God willing, children will enjoy studying here because the environment is comfortable and conducive to learning,” he said.
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Translator: Heru, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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