Parents of Students at Sekolah Rakyat Cry Emotionally in Front of Seskab Teddy
A preparatory visit for MPLS at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi 8, Tangerang Regency on Saturday (8/8/2026) was filled with emotional moments, especially when Siti Yuliana, a student's parent, expressed her gratitude. The Sekolah Rakyat program, an initiative by President Prabowo, offers free boarding-based education for underprivileged children.
Siti Yuliana, a housewife from the coastal area of North Jakarta, could not hold back her tears in front of Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono on Saturday (8/8/2026).
Her voice trembled as she expressed her family's economic limitations, where her husband only works as a daily wage laborer. This condition had threatened her daughter, Putri Nurdiyanah's, dream of continuing her education.
Yuliana made a big decision when she united sincerity and hope to allow her daughter to live in a dormitory. "I am willing for my child to be boarded with the guidance of teachers and dorm supervisors," Yuliana said firmly.
This touching moment was captured in the dining hall of the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug Building, Banten, during a preparatory visit for the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) ceremony at Integrated People's School 8 (SRT) in Tangerang Regency.
MPLS at People's School is not just a ceremony, but a turning point for dozens of children from underprivileged families who are now ready to face a new future. Yuliana's steadfastness is a reflection of the answer to the transformative policies promoted by the Ministry of Social Affairs under Gus Ipul's leadership.
This program not only provides free learning facilities but also offers an integrated 24-hour boarding school approach. The goal is to restore, educate, and build the character of children from the most vulnerable groups.
"People's School is a direct idea from President Prabowo, and it is being implemented for the first time since Indonesia's independence, where this People's School is intended for the most underprivileged families who have not yet been included in development," explained Gus Ipul.
This policy breaks the stigma that quality education is often difficult for the poor to access. Through the boarding school model, students not only receive formal curriculum education in the morning but also character development, ethics, and positive life habits until the evening.
Evidence of the program's success is beginning to be seen. Misfan Nazriel Faturrahman, a student from Bekasi Regency who previously had reading difficulties, now confidently presents himself as a Master of Ceremony (MC) using fluent English and Indonesian.
Children who were previously unable to read fluently upon entering 1st grade of high school are now showing extraordinary leaps in achievement. As a concrete step of the Ministry of Social Affairs' commitment with the central and regional governments, a mutual cooperation scheme is being massively implemented.
Regional governments (Governors, Regents, and Mayors) facilitate land provision, while permanent physical construction is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works using the State Budget. The program's targets are also ambitious.
In the first phase, 100 permanent People's School sites will be built, targeted for full completion this year. Subsequently, by October 2026, the President will add another 100 sites, where each permanent school site can accommodate students.
Key Points
Siti Yuliana, a parent of a People's School student, expressed her emotion at the opportunity for free education for her daughter in front of Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf.
Integrated People's School 8 in Tangerang Regency implements a 24-hour boarding education system for children from underprivileged families.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf stated that People's School is a direct idea from President Prabowo to help the most underprivileged families.
The program targets the construction of 100 permanent sites this year and an additional 100 sites by October 2026, with a mutual cooperation scheme between the central and regional governments.
Evidence of the program's success is seen in the improvement of student achievement, such as Misfan Nazriel Faturrahman, who is now fluent in English and Indonesian.
Frequently Asked Questions
People's School is a free boarding school education program that operates 24 hours a day. This program aims to restore, educate, and build the character of children from the most vulnerable groups.
People's School is a direct idea from President Prabowo and is being implemented for the first time since Indonesia's independence. This program is intended for the most underprivileged families.
In the first phase, 100 permanent People's School sites will be built, targeted for full completion this year. By October 2026, the President will add another 100 sites.
Regional governments (Governors, Regents, and Mayors) facilitate land provision, while permanent physical construction is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works using the State Budget.
What is the impact of the People's School program on education?
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) stated that this program breaks the stigma that quality education is often difficult for the poor to access by providing an integrated boarding school approach.
