Gus Ipul Invites SP2MI to Contribute to Sekolah Rakyat Programme

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has encouraged the Indonesian Community Education Movement Union (SP2MI) to play a role in reaching children who are not in school, have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out, to ensure they gain access to proper education, including through the Sekolah Rakyat programme. He was speaking as the keynote speaker at the SP2MI 2026 National Gathering held at Sasonobudoyo Hall, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, on Thursday.

Gus Ipul invited the attendees to participate in updating data, noting that if they find students not yet registered, they can help update the records through established channels. He expressed his happiness at being among Indonesia’s education volunteers who dedicate themselves to assisting school-age children who are not in education.

The minister highlighted that the issue of out-of-school children remains a major challenge, with government data showing over four million school-age children outside the education system. He described this as a shared responsibility and praised the attendees for choosing to help these children.

Gus Ipul explained that President Prabowo Subianto has given the Ministry of Social Affairs three strategic mandates: updating the National Single Socio-Economic Data, distributing targeted social assistance, and implementing Sekolah Rakyat. He stressed that all programmes must begin with accurate data to ensure government interventions truly reach those in need.

He emphasised that Sekolah Rakyat does not use a standard school registration mechanism but instead prioritises an outreach approach to children from extremely poor families in the lowest income deciles. He noted that SP2MI and its network of community education institutions are strategically positioned to help find and support prospective Sekolah Rakyat students across various regions.

The minister expressed hope for strengthened synergy between the ministry and SP2MI through collaboration with the ministry’s Family Hope Programme facilitators, who number over 30,000 nationwide. He also opened the possibility of broader cooperation in supporting the implementation of Sekolah Rakyat and addressing out-of-school children through various community education programmes.

SP2MI Chairman Amirudin responded positively, stating that the organisation shares the ministry’s vision of expanding access to education and community empowerment. He noted that SP2MI members are spread across many regions and are experienced in providing equivalency education, making them accustomed to reaching children outside the formal education system. The event concluded with Gus Ipul and hundreds of participants jointly proclaiming the three core values of Sekolah Rakyat: reaching the unreachable, making the impossible possible, and honouring the common people.