Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development: People's Schools are Strategic for Eradicating Poverty
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko IPK) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stated that the People’s Schools initiative is strategic for eradicating poverty.
He assessed that the concept will provide opportunities for children from underprivileged families to obtain quality education without burdening their parents.
“We want to produce outstanding, high-achieving children with better futures. This is one way to break the chain of poverty sustainably,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
He hopes that graduates of the People’s Schools can continue to higher education or directly enter the workforce.
The involvement of local labour, the use of materials from the local area, as well as increased activity in MSMEs, rental housing, and other supporting services, he said, will stimulate the local economy.
“This development must provide added value to the surrounding community, both through job opportunities and strengthening the local economy,” he said.
He asked all parties to continue monitoring this project to ensure it is completed on target, without neglecting building quality and occupational safety.
“We are not only chasing speed, but also ensuring quality and sustainability. This must be maintained together until completion,” he said.
The second phase of the national People’s Schools construction covers 104 locations in various regions of Indonesia.
The government hopes that the presence of People’s Schools can become a tangible instrument for expanding educational access for pre-prosperous families and low-income communities.
Deputy Minister of Public Works (Wamen PU) Diana Kusumastuti stated that the People’s Schools programme opens opportunities for poor communities to attend school.
She explained that the programme is part of the government’s efforts under President Prabowo Subianto to expand educational access for underprivileged communities who have previously faced limitations.