The Sekolah Rakyat Programme has made a significant contribution in addressing the issue of education equity in Indonesia by providing free education to students from poor and extremely poor families. This initiative not only offers access to education but also focuses on comprehensive character development for children, enabling them to actively participate in national development while upholding noble values.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was recently established between the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) to formalize their cooperation in expanding access to education for the underprivileged through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative. This collaboration involves various aspects such as social welfare services, data exchange on beneficiaries, and enhancing human resource competencies in education and social sectors.
Ministers Saifullah Yusuf and Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the importance of Sekolah Rakyat in breaking the cycle of poverty through free education and character building. With the increasing dropout rates and limited educational opportunities for the poor, programs like Sekolah Rakyat play a crucial role in uplifting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and paving the way for a better future.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced two models for constructing People’s Schools, focusing on asset revitalization and new construction to provide quality facilities for students. These efforts align with the government’s vision of creating an inclusive education system that can empower children from poor families and contribute to the realization of a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to address the root causes of poverty and provide equal opportunities for all children to receive a quality education.