The Indonesian government is taking significant steps to address educational disparities for underprivileged children with the launch of Sekolah Rakyat, a new initiative aimed at providing free education and support to students from low-income families. The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Affairs, is set to begin operations in the 2025/2026 academic year, starting in July.
According to Gus Ipul, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, the initiative will employ around 700 formal teachers and 300 character teachers, who will focus on shaping students' personalities and values. Formal teachers will handle academic subjects from morning until afternoon, while character teachers will engage with students in coaching activities from afternoon to evening. This dual approach aims to foster both academic excellence and strong character development.
In addition to teachers, the program will also establish principal and vice-principal positions to ensure effective school management. M. Nuh, the head of the Sekolah Rakyat formation team, emphasized that the recruitment process will prioritize graduates of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program. With 60,000 PPG graduates available, the government plans to map placement locations according to the domicile of prospective teachers, enabling them to teach in their local communities.
The selection process for teachers will not only assess academic qualifications but also evaluate the social empathy of candidates. M. Nuh stated, "We want teachers at Sekolah Rakyat to truly understand the social context of their students." This holistic approach aims to create a supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of students.
For student admissions, the selection process will begin with administrative verification, which is exclusively open to children from families classified in Desil 1 and 2 according to the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN). Following this initial step, prospective students will undergo a series of assessments, including academic potential tests, psychological evaluations, home visits, interviews with parents, and health checks. Gus Ipul estimates that approximately 2,500 students will be accepted across 53 Sekolah Rakyat locations.
Currently, the identification process for both teachers and students is ongoing, utilizing digital data and collaboration among various stakeholders. Gus Ipul highlighted the importance of thorough data collection, stating, "We are mapping all data, from the distribution of teachers to potential students who fall into priority categories." This meticulous approach is designed to ensure that the program effectively reaches those who need it most.
In Magelang, Central Java, preparations for Sekolah Rakyat are already underway. The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to establish two initial locations: one at the Antasena Center and another in Tegalrejo, which is an asset of the local government. The Sekolah Rakyat initiative aims to provide education for students from poor and extremely poor families, ensuring they have access to essential resources.
Agus Jabo Priyono, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, explained that the Sekolah Rakyat concept is modeled after a free boarding school system that will serve students from elementary through high school. He assured that all student needs, including educational materials and food, will be covered by the government. "All needs, whether for learning or living necessities, are guaranteed by the state. Because this is a boarding school, all requirements are automatically covered," Agus stated.
The Sekolah Rakyat initiative is seen as a crucial step towards creating an inclusive education system in Indonesia, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing free education and addressing the diverse needs of students, the program aims to empower young individuals and break the cycle of poverty.
However, the launch of Sekolah Rakyat comes amidst other pressing concerns. Tragically, on the same day as the announcement, three tourists were swept away by waves at Parangtritis Beach, with one still reported missing. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local communities, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat that aim to uplift and support vulnerable populations.
As the government moves forward with the preparations for Sekolah Rakyat, there is a palpable sense of hope among advocates for education reform. The initiative is not just about providing a place to learn; it represents a commitment to fostering a brighter future for Indonesia's children, equipping them with the skills and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
