The Sekolah Rakyat Programme has been instrumental 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 grants access to education but also focuses on holistic 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 collaboration in expanding access to education for the underprivileged through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative. This partnership encompasses 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 underscored the significance of Sekolah Rakyat in breaking the cycle of poverty through free education and character building. Given the escalating dropout rates and limited educational opportunities for the poor, initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat play a pivotal role in uplifting children from underprivileged backgrounds and laying the groundwork for a brighter 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 endeavors are in line with the government’s vision of establishing an inclusive education system that can empower children from impoverished families and contribute to the realization of a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and ensure equal opportunities for all children to access quality education.