Deputy Social Minister Calls People's School the 'Golden Bridge' Out of Poverty
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono has emphasised that the People’s School serves as a ‘golden bridge’ for vulnerable and poor families to escape the cycle of poverty.
Agus Jabo stressed that the People’s School has a distinct mandate from regular schools. It not only provides formal education but is designed as a strategic national instrument to break the intergenerational transmission of poverty.
“The People’s School is different. We are not just teaching knowledge, but carrying out a great mission to break the chain of poverty. This is the golden bridge for families who have long had no hope,” said Agus Jabo in a press release on Sunday (26/4/2026).
This was stated during the closing of the 2026 Learning Management Training for Teachers and Heads of People’s Schools, held at Harris Hotel Cibinong on Saturday (25/4).
He explained that, based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), more than 74 percent of poor families have education levels only up to primary school. Additionally, there are still around 4.1 million children aged 7-18 years, or 7.63 percent, who are not or no longer attending school. Of this number, around 3.79 million children have already dropped out.
To address this challenge, in 2026 the government is increasing the quota of People’s School students from over 15,000 to 45,000 pupils.
“We can only absorb 45,000 children from around 4 million who are not attending school. This becomes our collective motivation to continue expanding the reach,” he asserted.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is also taking proactive steps by directly reaching out to school-age children who are not attending school, including in Jakarta, to place them in 10 additional People’s School locations.
Agus Jabo emphasised that the impact of the People’s School is felt not only by the children but also by their families.
“The People’s School does not just change one child, but restores hope for an entire family. From having no hope before, now they have a future,” he stated.
On that occasion, Agus Jabo also presented appreciation to the best participants during the training as recognition of their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of education in People’s Schools.
The recipients of appreciation in the best teacher category are:
Firsa Fadwatun Nafisa (SRT 19 Wajo)
Vinky Audrin Sahrir (SRMP 27 Makassar)
Melly Maulidah Fitrian (SRT 47 Malang)
Meanwhile, appreciation in the best head of school category was given to:
Ilza Satriadi (SRMA 1 Aceh Besar)
Rifki Hakim (SRT 9 Banjarbaru)
Muhannad Shobrin (SRMA 36 Bojonegoro)
Agus Jabo hopes that this recognition will motivate all educators to continue innovating and giving their best for the students.
He also underscored the importance of the head of school’s role in building a strong and sustainable education system.
“If the system is good, the results will also be good. The head of school plays a crucial role in ensuring everything runs optimally,” he said.
On the same occasion, a representative from the head of school at SRMA 29 Jayapura, Yanet Berotabui, stated that the training provides essential provisions for educators.
“The materials we received will be taken home, adopted, and implemented in our respective schools. This becomes the foundation to improve the quality of education for our children,” she said.
In closing the event, Deputy Minister Agus Jabo called on all parties to strengthen collaboration in making the People’s School a real solution for poverty alleviation.
“The People’s School is the golden bridge. Our task is to ensure that children from poor families can cross to a better future,” he asserted.