93 People's Schools Targeted for Completion by June 2026

The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Public Works have targeted the completion of 93 permanent People’s Schools in Phase II by June 2026. The buildings are scheduled to be operational for the new academic year starting in July 2026. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, stated that accelerating construction would enable the permanent People’s Schools to commence operations promptly. ‘We have worked to complete the 93 school buildings and are supported by the Minister of Public Works to ensure they are ready for use in the 2026/2027 academic year starting in July,’ Gus Ipul said after a coordination meeting with the Public Works Minister at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. In addition to Phase II, the government has commenced construction of Phase III permanent People’s Schools, divided into III A, III B, and III C based on land readiness and other administrative requirements. Gus Ipul added that the government is collaborating with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to prepare digital learning facilities and internet connectivity at the People’s Schools. ‘Digital learning infrastructure, internet connections, and other related digital learning elements are being prepared,’ he said. As part of the transition from provisional to permanent People’s Schools, the Ministry of Social Affairs plans to recruit over 3,000 teachers and 5,000 education staff this year. The government also aims to enrol more than 32,000 new students. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that the government is striving to have all Phase II projects operational this year. However, he acknowledged five construction sites are in the red zone due to progress delays. ‘I hope at least 88 out of 93 sites are completed, ideally all 93,’ Dody said. He cited challenges including project cash flow issues and human resource constraints. The Public Works Ministry aims to complete seven Phase III A sites and 11 Phase III B sites by December 2026, while 89 Phase III C sites are targeted for completion by June 2027 at the latest.