At Sekolah Rakyat, Prabowo Emphasises Education as Key to Achieving Decent Living Standards
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that the government considers the education sector a primary instrument for achieving a decent standard of living and increasing the welfare of all layers of Indonesian society.
“Our development as a nation aims to ensure that all Indonesian people live decently and well. Therefore, the effort to ensure the people live well and decently is a massive undertaking. We must work hard in all fields, one of which is education,” stated President Prabowo while inspecting the Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 17 Tabanan in Bali on Sunday.
The President explained that the Sekolah Rakyat programme was intentionally introduced as a tangible form of the state’s commitment to fulfilling the rights of the community. During the working visit, attendees listened to testimonials from Bagus, a student at the Sekolah Rakyat, who shared his experiences and the positive changes he has undergone while pursuing his education. Additionally, a parent of a prospective student expressed gratitude, noting that the programme has provided their child with a renewed opportunity to access education.
The event also featured inclusive art performances, poetry readings, and an English speech delivered by a student named Ketut Arlan.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, reported that the construction of a permanent building for Sekolah Rakyat in Bali Province is currently underway in Karangasem Regency. The Minister revealed that public interest in the programme is exceptionally high, with the number of prospective students across Bali Province currently reaching 406.
“For this stage, 93 students are currently in the process, including one in Karangasem Regency, Bali, where it is expected that once completed, the current occupants will move to the permanent building,” said Saifullah. He added that the number of applicants for junior and senior high school levels in the region has already exceeded the available capacity quota.