Parents of People's School Students Weep Emotionally in Front of Cabinet Secretary Teddy and Social Affairs Minister Gus Ipul

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 and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This emotional moment occurred during a preparatory visit for the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) ceremony at Integrated People's School 8 (SRT) in Tangerang Regency.

The dining hall of the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug Building, Banten, witnessed these happy laughs and touching sobs. The MPLS at this People's School marks a turning point for dozens of children from underprivileged families who are now facing a new future.

Yuliana, whose husband works as a freelance daily laborer, expressed that her family's economic limitations had threatened her daughter Putri Nurdiyanah's dream of continuing her education. With a resolute heart, she allowed her daughter to live in the dormitory. "I am willing for my child to be in the dormitory under the guidance of teachers and dorm supervisors," Yuliana said firmly.

The steadfastness of the parents of these People's School students reflects the success of the transformative policies of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) under Gus Ipul's leadership. These policies not only provide free learning facilities but also implement an integrated 24-hour boarding school approach. The aim is to rehabilitate, educate, and build the character of children from the most vulnerable groups.

Gus Ipul explained, "People's School is a direct idea from President Prabowo, which 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." This policy aims to break the stigma that quality education is difficult for the poor to access.

Through the boarding school model, students receive formal curriculum education in the morning, as well as character, ethics, and positive life habit guidance until the evening. Proof of its success is seen in Misfan Nazriel Faturrahman, a student from Bekasi Regency, who previously had reading difficulties. Now, Misfan confidently presents himself as a Master of Ceremony (MC) using fluent English and Indonesian. Children who were previously not fluent readers upon entering the first grade of high school are now showing extraordinary leaps in achievement.

Kemensos, along with the central and regional governments, is implementing a massive mutual cooperation scheme for this program. Regional governments, including Governors, Regents, and Mayors, facilitate land provision. Meanwhile, permanent physical construction is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works using the State Budget.

The target for this program is quite ambitious. In the first phase, 100 permanent People's School sites will be built, with full completion targeted for this year. Subsequently, by October 2026, the President will add another 100 sites, where each permanent school site can accommodate many students.