Deputy Minister: Asset Management Key to Success of Prabowo's 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme
The management of facilities and infrastructure (sarpras) for Sekolah Rakyat, which are state-owned assets (BMN), has been identified as a key aspect of the successful implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme. This was emphasised by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos) Agus Jabo Priyono during the opening of the Coordination Meeting for the BMN and Inventory Goods Governance Task Force for the Sekolah Rakyat Programme at the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Centre (STPL) in Bekasi, West Java, on Wednesday (22/7).
“The success of the Sekolah Rakyat programme is not solely determined by the quality of the learning process or the competence of teaching staff, but is also heavily dependent on the extent to which the state can provide facilities and infrastructure. Educational equipment, health facilities, kitchen equipment, and various other assets that support the educational process,” said Agus Jabo. The facilities and infrastructure in Sekolah Rakyat include beds, study desks, computers, laptops, laboratory equipment, kitchen equipment, operational vehicles, and other strategic supporting facilities.
Agus Jabo stated that all these facilities are state assets procured through the state budget (APBN). Therefore, the management of state assets is a form of accountability for the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) as the organiser of Sekolah Rakyat to the state and the public. “If the management of state assets is carried out properly, then services to students will naturally be good. Conversely, if the management of state assets is disorderly, the quality of education services will also be impacted,” said Agus Jabo.
Agus Jabo placed special emphasis on the importance of strengthening the Internal Control System (SPI) and Risk Management in the management of state assets so that they can be accounted for in accordance with applicable regulations in the future. During the coordination meeting, he issued eight directives. Firstly, he urged all work units within the Ministry of Social Affairs to immediately prepare a follow-up action plan for all recommendations resulting from monitoring and evaluation, setting target times. This is considered important as an indicator of success, along with a clear person in charge.
“Second, accelerate the completion of the entire BMN distribution process so that no assets are held up in warehouses or remain unused by Sekolah Rakyat,” he said. Third, he encouraged the task force to conduct a re-inventory of all state assets at each Sekolah Rakyat to ensure alignment between administrative data and field conditions. Fourth, complete all BMN administrative documents, asset codification, goods lists, and goods inventory, as well as recording in the BMN management information system, including official handover minutes.
“The official handover minutes are very important, especially for goods that have already entered the People’s Schools. The handover minutes from us to the Sekolah Rakyat must be orderly, because that is how we can be objectively accountable,” he stated. Fifth, enhance the capacity of human resources or BMN managers through training, technical guidance, and mentoring so they have adequate competence in BMN management. Sixth, develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for BMN management handed over to all Sekolah Rakyat as a guide for the receipt, use, and maintenance processes.
“Seventh, utilise information technology to support real-time monitoring of BMN management so that leaders can obtain precise and accurate information as a basis for decision-making,” said Agus Jabo. Finally, he requested that the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Social Affairs continue to provide guidance, assistance, and risk-based supervision of BMN management, and ensure all supervisory recommendations are followed up consistently.
Furthermore, it was stressed that BMN management reflects the quality of government governance, the integrity of state administrators, and the commitment to providing quality public services. “Every asset financed by the people’s money must provide the greatest possible benefit to the people,” said Agus Jabo. He added that Sekolah Rakyat is a poverty alleviation programme through education. Therefore, no assets should be neglected, unrecorded, unused, or poorly maintained.