The Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta reported that President Prabowo arrived at the Center for Social Welfare Education and Training (BBPPKS), which served as the inauguration venue, at around 11 a.m. local time
“This agenda marks the government’s strategic step toward strengthening the foundation of the national education system,” the secretariat noted in a statement.
The President symbolically launched the operations of Sekolah Rakyat facilities established at 166 locations nationwide, including 35 sites in Sumatra, 70 in Java, seven in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, 13 in Kalimantan, 28 in Sulawesi, seven in Maluku, and six in Papua.
The BBPPKS complex itself has been designated as the location of Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 9 in Banjarbaru City. During the visit, President Prabowo conducted a firsthand review of school facilities as well as teaching and learning activities.
He inspected classrooms, a library, and a laboratory at the three-story school building while engaging in dialogue with students. He also reviewed the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program at the school.
President Prabowo has designated Sekolah Rakyat as one of his flagship initiatives, aimed at expanding access to quality education for underprivileged children as part of efforts to break the cycle of poverty and develop competitive human resources.
During his visit to the Banjarbaru Sekolah Rakyat, the President said his administration is targeting the establishment of around 500 similar schools nationwide by the end of his term in 2029.
He added that by the end of 2026, the number of Sekolah Rakyat students is projected to double from 15,000 to 30,000.
Adopting a boarding school model, Sekolah Rakyat provides formal, religious, and character education to children from families classified as poor and extremely poor under the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN).
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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