Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Urges Development of People's Schools in Majene
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos), Agus Jabo Priyono, received an audience with Majene Regent Achmad Syukri to discuss preparations for implementing the People’s School programme.
During the meeting, Agus Jabo urged Majene District Government to prepare land and various supporting requirements so that the region could become one of the priority areas for People’s School development.
“If possible, let us push for this year. If it is not yet feasible, we will prepare so Majene can enter next year’s priority list. That is why preparations must begin now,” Agus Jabo stated in a statement on Thursday (12 March 2026), following his audience with the Majene Regent at the Social Affairs Ministry Office on Thursday (11 March).
He explained that the development of People’s Schools represents a direct presidential mandate to break the cycle of poverty through education for children from poor families.
“The Ministry of Social Affairs has received a presidential directive to build People’s Schools. Since we understand that we cannot work alone, a task force was formed involving various ministries and institutions,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasised that People’s Schools are intended specifically for children from poor and extremely poor families, particularly those in deciles 1 and 2 according to the National Single Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN). Through this programme, the government aims to ensure that children from extremely poor families receive quality education whilst developing skills and character.
According to him, six months of experience managing People’s Schools has shown that students come from diverse backgrounds and backgrounds, creating unique dynamics. Therefore, in addition to formal education, the programme also emphasises character formation and skills development for students.
In response, Achmad Syukri expressed his commitment to becoming part of the People’s School programme.
“Majene District Government is committed to becoming part of the implementation of the People’s School programme,” said Achmad Syukri.
Majene Regency covers an area of approximately 947 square kilometres consisting of 8 subdistricts with a population of around 192,000 people.
He also outlined the education conditions in his region, where there are still children who have not attended school or have dropped out. The local government has also prepared land as a location for People’s School development covering 17 hectares in the Sulai and Ulumanda areas, with approximately 10 hectares of the land having relatively flat terrain.
Closing the meeting, Agus Jabo reminded the Majene district government officials to promptly follow up on preparations for land and supporting documents for the People’s School.
“Please ensure this is prepared,” he emphasised.