Government seeks ICW input to curb graft risks in Sekolah Rakyat

After visiting the ICW office in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the two sides held a lengthy discussion to ensure that all strategic programs initiated by President Prabowo Subianto remain free from corruption.

“What the ICW has conveyed is highly valuable input for the Social Affairs Ministry,” he remarked.

Yusuf described the watchdog’s suggestions as a “wake-up call,” pledging concrete follow-up measures to mitigate corruption risks and improve procurement management in support of the Sekolah Rakyat program.

He stressed that the approach is essential to ensure the national priority program delivers on the president’s objective of providing quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families.

The minister assured that his office remains open to all elements of society to oversee the programs it manages.

“We are truly open to criticism and suggestions from anyone, especially if they are backed by accurate data,” Yusuf said, pointing to ICW’s data-driven input.

Furthermore, he urged officials at the Social Affairs Ministry to continue strengthening professional integrity and advancing good governance, warning that he has zero tolerance for corruption.

Acting Coordinator of ICW Almas Sjafrina, for her part, emphasized that the organization is committed to overseeing the government’s strategic programs across various sectors, including Sekolah Rakyat.

She explained that ICW primarily carries out its supervisory role through studies and monitoring initiatives.

“Our objective is to safeguard state funds, prevent leakages, and ensure that all programs undertaken by the government deliver maximum benefits for the public,” Sjafrina stated.

Related news: Indonesia targets 500 People’s School by 2029

Related news: Govt targets renovation for 10,000 students’ homes of Sekolah Rakyat

Related news: Indonesia’s Sekolah Rakyat to expand to 45,000 students in 2026

Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra