Academic says People's Schools can reduce juvenile delinquency

Agus Suriadi, an academic from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of North Sumatra (USU), stated that the presence of ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ in the province could reduce juvenile delinquency by providing educational access to children from low-income families.

“Sekolah Rakyat can also function as a solution to suppress the rate of juvenile delinquency,” Agus said in Medan on Monday.

According to him, Sekolah Rakyat provides a positive and structured educational environment, supported by various beneficial extracurricular activities. This helps divert children’s attention away from negative behaviours while simultaneously assisting them in developing social skills.

By residing in dormitories, he noted, students receive more intensive guidance from supervisors and better access to educational facilities. This condition creates a conducive environment for the learning process and the personal development of students.

Furthermore, he added that access to technology and innovative learning methods can enhance the quality of education received by students, ensuring they possess better competencies to compete in the workforce.

Previously, the North Sumatra Provincial Government established Sekolah Rakyat in Medan City, Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, South Tapanuli Regency, and Padangsidimpuan City.