Government Allocates Rp 200 Billion to Build One Permanent People's School

JAKARTA - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, stated that the budget for building one permanent Sekolah Rakyat averages Rp 200 billion. “It varies, but for the details, ask the Ministry of Public Works; on average, one site is above Rp 200 billion,” said Gus Ipul when met during the One Year Sekolah Rakyat event at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (29/4/2026). He explained that the Ministry of Public Works handles the infrastructure construction process, while the Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for the operations of Sekolah Rakyat. It is hoped that these permanent buildings can be utilised at the start of the new academic year in July 2026. “Construction is currently in progress; some are at 30 percent, some at 20 percent, some at 40 percent—all are underway,” he said. Previously reported, Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari revealed the distribution of 104 permanent Sekolah Rakyat locations in Indonesia currently under construction. Meanwhile, the Bali and Nusa Tenggara region covers three locations, Maluku four locations, and Papua three locations. According to him, this distribution demonstrates the government’s efforts to equalise access to education through infrastructure development, including in underdeveloped and island areas. “This programme is planned under a multi-year scheme, a multi-years contract for 2025-2026, to ensure gradual and structured completion of the construction,” he said.