Captivating Komodo Dance by Kupang People's School Students

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) assessed that the progress of students at SRMP 19 Kupang’s People’s School showed positive results after more than nine months of learning. The change was evident in the students’ increased confidence during various performances.

‘We saw their performance today, which reflects the work of the school principals and teachers in educating over the past nine months,’ Gus Ipul said.

He added that these achievements were due to various facilities provided during education. Besides structured learning, students received nutritious meals, learning technology, libraries, and laboratories to support teaching and learning.

‘They appear more confident, optimistic about the future, and have access to the necessary support in their learning process,’ Gus Ipul said.

He explained that the People’s School program is designed to reach children from poor and extremely poor families who have faced limited access to quality education.

‘This allows the most disadvantaged children, those who have dropped out, never attended school, or may have never been to school before, to be reached by this program,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti praised the SRMP 19 Kupang students’ performance. She said the development of children from decile 1 and 2 families was commendable.

‘Minister, I’ve attended People’s School events many times, but every time they perform, I’m moved because we know they come from decile 1 and 2 families, yet they perform so brilliantly and have amazing dreams for the future. Remarkable,’ Amalia said.

Amalia added that using the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) in student selection made the People’s School program more targeted towards poor families. She was amazed by the students’ transformation.

‘We saw how the children have become remarkable. I observed the before and after—their previous state versus what we witnessed today,’ she explained.

Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, also praised the students’ abilities and potential.

‘All of us in NTT are seeing the potential and excellence of People’s School for the first time. The People’s School children are amazing,’ Emanuel said.

He added that the students’ performances were not only entertaining but also emotionally touching for attendees.

‘Their dance was stirring, the songs made us all feel like we were chopping onions. I shed many tears today,’ he said.

The event, titled ‘President’s Priority Program Collaboration for Human Resource Development Towards Economic Independence’, opened with a marching performance by SRMP 19 Kupang students led by platoon commander Randy Fay. The display was enthusiastically received by guests before a dynamic contemporary Komodo Dragon dance followed.

Students’ abilities and confidence were also evident in bilingual speeches. Annisa Saharia delivered an Arabic speech, while Kristo J. Mansula confidently presented an English address to attendees.

Guests were also treated to a drama titled ‘The Invisible People’, highlighting inspiring stories of struggle and hope. Narrated by Erida Solfasina Boys, with Sifra Takain as the lead actress.

The event was further enlivened by a choir performance combined with poetry recitation by Fransiska D. Claura Botbesi.

The performances concluded a stunning show, showcasing the students’ progress in arts, academics, and confidence.

Attendees included NTT Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma, Commission XII DPR RI member Dipo Nusantara Pua Upa, and NTT BPS Chief Matamira B. Kale.

Also present were Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo, Kupang Regent Yosef Lede, North Timor Regent Deputy Kamilus Elu, and Rote Ndao Regent Deputy Apremoi Dudelusy.

The event was attended by Special Staff and Experts of the Minister of Social Affairs, Senior and Junior Officials from the Ministry and BPS, KND Commissioner Jonna Aman Damanik, and NTT Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) members.

Additionally, SRMP 19 Kupang school principals, teachers, and educators, PKH Assistants, Tagana, village operators, productive elderly, parents, and students were present.