DPR Member Urges Evaluation of Low Public Interest in 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme

A member of House Commission VIII, Derta Rohidin, is urging the Ministry of Social Affairs to evaluate the causes behind low public interest in the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (People’s School) programme at the primary school level. The Golkar Party politician stated that the government must identify the root of the problem so that the programme’s implementation is not solely oriented towards achieving targets, but also considers children’s growth and development. “The low number of applicants for the primary-level Sekolah Rakyat should not be viewed merely as a problem of insufficient socialisation. The government needs to look at this issue more deeply,” he said in a written statement on the Golkar Faction’s website, quoted on Friday, 17 July 2026. Derta said the government must consider the psychological, social and cultural aspects that influence parents’ decisions. He noted that primary school-aged children still have a high level of emotional attachment to their parents, making the boarding school concept a particular challenge. He believes that even a boarding care system with the best facilities cannot fully replace parental affection. According to Derta, the family remains the primary environment for shaping a primary school child’s character, sense of security, self-confidence, and moral and spiritual development. “Many parents feel they are not ready to be separated from their children at such a very young age. That concern is natural and must be respected,” he said. Although the boarding school concept is beneficial for children facing barriers to educational access, he requested that its implementation not be standardised for all community groups without considering the characteristics of learners’ needs. He is therefore encouraging the Ministry of Social Affairs to evaluate the design of Sekolah Rakyat, including paying attention to child psychology, family readiness, caregiving effectiveness, and community acceptance. “In areas where it is possible, the regular or semi-boarding school concept could be a more suitable alternative to meet community needs,” he proposed. Furthermore, he urged that the Sekolah Rakyat target be prioritised for children with special conditions, such as orphans, abandoned children, those from extremely poor families, or disaster victims. Derta reminded that success indicators should not only be measured by the number of schools built, but by how happy children are while learning and how at ease parents feel entrusting their children. Previously, while reviewing the opening of the school orientation period at Sekolah Rakyat Sragen on 14 July 2026, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf revealed that the student target for the primary level had not been met. Out of the 9,000 students targeted nationally, the ministry has only recruited 5,000 students.