Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Meets Central Mamuju and Bengkalis Regencies to Discuss People's Schools
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Agus Jabo Priyono received a delegation from local governments of Central Mamuju and Bengkalis regencies at the Ministry of Social Affairs office today. Both regional governments submitted numerous proposals for social welfare programmes, including plans to develop People’s Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) in their respective areas.
He stated that the development of People’s Schools would be carried out in stages. In the initial phase, the government would establish pilot schools by utilising existing facilities before later developing them into permanent schools.
“These People’s Schools are intended for children from poor families, particularly those in the first and second income deciles,” Agus Jabo said in a written statement.
He explained that regional governments wishing to propose the construction of People’s Schools must prepare a minimum of 6.8 hectares of land. The land must have clear title, be free from disputes, and feature a relatively flat terrain with a maximum slope of approximately 10 degrees.
“If the land is clear and clean, ready to build, and does not require extensive land preparation, then construction can be processed directly,” said Agus Jabo.
Agus Jabo added that People’s Schools are designed as boarding schools with various supporting facilities for students. “These People’s Schools have a boarding concept. They include classrooms, dormitories, dining facilities, kitchens, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and places of worship. Students also receive uniforms, learning materials including laptops, and meals throughout their education,” he explained.
Beyond discussing People’s Schools, the Central Mamuju Regency Government also submitted other social welfare programme proposals, including the empowerment of Remote Indigenous Communities (Komunitas Adat Terpencil), the construction of Integrated Prosperous Homes (Rumah Sejahtera Terpadu), and support for decent housing for low-income communities.
Agus Jabo stated that every programme proposal from regional governments must be adapted to local conditions on the ground, as all Ministry of Social Affairs programmes currently refer to the National Single Social and Economic Data (Data Tunggal Sosial dan Ekonomi Nasional) as the basis for determining beneficiaries.
The meeting also discussed disaster preparedness efforts in Central Mamuju Regency, which is classified as a disaster-prone area. “Community disaster preparedness can be strengthened through the establishment of Disaster Alert Villages (Kampung Siaga Bencana), equipped with social warehouses for storing disaster logistics,” he concluded.
The meeting was attended by Central Mamuju Regent Arsal Aras, Head of the Social Services Division Yasser Ramli, Head of the Fisheries Department Muhammadia, Fisheries Department Secretary I Made Kardiana, and Expert Staff Aswadi from Central Mamuju Regency. From Bengkalis Regency, attendees included Head of Social Services Department Hambali, Social Services Department Secretary Eji Marliana, and staff member Wani Fariza.