After Graduating from Sekolah Rakyat, Students Have Two Pathways
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) said the government was preparing two options for Sekolah Rakyat graduates. After completing secondary education, they can choose to continue to university or become skilled workers.
Gus Ipul explained that, before moving on to the next stage, students must first complete their education, from primary school through junior and senior secondary school.
“What I want to emphasise is the next stage. The President’s direction is clear: Sekolah Rakyat graduates must not be unemployed. There are only two options: become skilled workers or continue to university,” Gus Ipul said, as quoted on the Social Affairs Ministry’s website on Saturday (24 October 2026).
After completing senior secondary school, students have two choices. Those who wish to continue their education and meet the requirements can attend university with scholarship support.
Students who choose to go straight into work will be directed to skills training suited to their interests and potential. Gus Ipul said the Social Affairs Ministry had partnered with several ministries and institutions, including state-owned enterprises, to train students and strengthen their skills.
Gus Ipul also called on all relevant parties to work together to support Sekolah Rakyat, so that the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty through better access to education can be achieved.
Sekolah Rakyat graduate wins scholarship
Putri, a graduate of Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) 53 in Pontianak, is an example of the programme’s commitment to supporting its graduates. She has been accepted into the Information Systems degree programme at Universitas Ary Ginanjar (UAG) ESQ Business School for the 2026/2027 academic year on a scholarship.
Putri is the daughter of a cemetery caretaker. She previously attended a vocational secondary school through Year 11, but financial constraints prevented her from continuing into Year 12.
Putri eventually had the opportunity to return to school after joining Sekolah Rakyat. During her studies, she took an ESQ Corp DNA Talent test to identify her interests and potential from the outset.
Thirty-five other Sekolah Rakyat students have also received scholarships to UAG and ESQ Business School for 2027. Seven of them are expected to be offered jobs suited to their talents.
Efforts to ensure access to education for everyone are not limited to Pontianak. The government is also working to establish Sekolah Rakyat in other areas, including Makassar. The initiative includes the inauguration of 100 Sekolah Rakyat schools in Makassar on Wednesday (28 October 2026).
The permanent buildings will symbolise the government’s commitment to providing children from disadvantaged families with suitable places to learn and a clear path towards the future.
The inauguration of the 100 Sekolah Rakyat schools can also be watched via a live stream on detikcom. The government hopes that more equal access to education will continue to make a tangible difference to the nation’s future.