The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to establish the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) as part of efforts to alleviate poverty in Indonesia.
This program follows the direction of President Prabowo Subianto during a community empowerment coordination meeting at the Presidential Palace in Bogor on Jan. 3, 2025. Its target is children from extreme poverty to ensure they receive proper education.
The People’s School is a boarding school where students receive education and adequate nutrition. The Minister of Social Affairs aims to launch a pilot project for the People’s School in Jakarta and surrounding areas.
However, until now, the Ministry of Social Affairs has not confirmed when the project will be effectively implemented, although a team has already been formed.
Dr. Subarsono, a lecturer of Public Policy Management at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), commented that the People’s School program under the Ministry of Social Affairs is considered inappropriate because the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should handle it.
Additionally, he believes that the program is not urgent, considering that many conventional schools still need government attention. These include issues such as damaged school buildings and the low salaries of teachers, especially honorary teachers.
“I think this becomes problematic because it falls under the Ministry of Social Affairs, whose responsibility does not cover education. So, this raises questions about the policy’s domain. If it’s under the Ministry of Social Affairs, I don’t think it’s appropriate,” he said on Tuesday (Jan. 14).
Reflecting on history, Dr. Subarsono said that the People’s School has a history dating back to the Dutch colonial era.
With the establishment of this program, there is a possibility of a negative stigma in society regarding its name. Historically, the People’s School existed during the Dutch colonial period and was later transformed into elementary schools.
The use of this term raises concerns about discrimination, as elementary schools already exist.
“It would be better to name it School of Excellence instead of People’s School to avoid creating dualism with this new terminology,” he explained.
In addition, Dr. Subarsono pointed out that many considerations need to be reviewed in realizing the People’s School. Nonetheless, there is hope for its establishment.
“I don’t think it’s inefficient, but I doubt it’s the right time for implementation. Why don’t we improve the existing system? Schools already receive BOS Funds to enhance education quality, and if we want to improve education, why not increase BOS Funds, improve the curriculum, and enhance teacher competence,” he added.
As is known, the Ministry of Social Affairs has not yet provided detailed information on the establishment of the People’s School.
However, if the program is enforced, Dr. Subarsono suggested that it should remain under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and be placed in targeted areas to address existing problems in Indonesia.
“I hope that this program remains under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, not the Ministry of Social Affairs. Secondly, it should be established in areas like the frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions. The criteria for the school should be clear, as it is intended for people with low incomes, free of charge, and boarding. I think it would be most appropriate in underdeveloped areas,” he concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photo: Antara