Gus Ipul's Message Ahead of Permanent People's School Operations

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has urged all People’s School managers to prepare for the phased operational launch of the permanent institution this year. “Permanent People’s Schools are not a scaled-up version of temporary ones. They are a distinct institution with different requirements. Headteachers must transition from programme managers to leaders of top-tier educational institutions,” he said in a written statement on Friday, 29 May 2026. He made the remarks during a coordination meeting with all People’s School headteachers and education staff at the Ministry of Social Affairs headquarters today. The meeting was attended virtually by all People’s School headteachers, along with representatives of teachers, guardians, and dormitory staff. During his address, Gus Ipul stressed that the construction of permanent People’s Schools must be matched by preparedness of the human resources managing them. The education complexes, built on 7-10 hectares of land with capacity for over 1,000 primary, secondary, and high school students, will require far more robust management. Gus Ipul added that every member of the school community – from headteachers and teachers to guardians and cleaning staff – plays a vital role in shaping students’ character. “Preparations must begin now, not later. They need to be in place long before the permanent People’s Schools are inaugurated,” he said. During the meeting, Gus Ipul also emphasised the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all People’s Schools. He insisted there must be no disparity in service quality between schools, whether in education, healthcare, child care, religious activities, or dormitory life. “All processes must be properly documented and standardised. No People’s School should have service quality vastly different from others,” he said. Gus Ipul also called for professional dormitory management, as these facilities shape students’ character around the clock. To support this, the Ministry of Social Affairs will strengthen technology-based monitoring systems, including CCTV installations across school premises. “Treat it like managing a five-star hotel. Think about the toilets, the management, the staff. Everything must be prepared now,” he said. Gus Ipul highlighted the upcoming first anniversary of People’s Schools, which coincides with School Orientation Week (MPLS) in July. He stated the occasion should not merely be a ceremonial event but a demonstration that the programme effectively tackles poverty through education. “One year of People’s Schools is not a ceremony; it is proof that the programme is real, impactful, and addresses the root causes of poverty,” he stressed. He urged all People’s Schools to organise open-house events involving local communities, regional leaders, national figures, media, and influencers so the public can witness the programme’s progress firsthand. “The People’s Schools narrative must emerge from multiple voices, not just the Ministry of Social Affairs,” Gus Ipul said. Progress in Permanent People’s School Construction During the meeting, several headteachers reported on the progress of permanent People’s School construction in their respective regions. Jefta Johannes Makikui, head of SRMA 44 Minahasa, recounted the visit by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi to SRMA 44 Minahasa on the same day. Prasetyo inspected student learning activities and observed classroom uses of digital technology. “He was pleased with the school’s conditions and witnessed ongoing learning activities. This is a source of pride for all People’s Schools,” said Jefta. During discussions with Gus Ipul, headteachers from various regions reported on the ongoing construction progress of permanent People’s Schools. Areas including Takalar, Tual, Bireuen, and Natuna noted steady progress and high community enthusiasm for the schools. Gus Ipul encouraged all headteachers to begin envisioning the responsibilities they will shoulder once permanent facilities are operational. “Elevate our leadership and mindset. Build a culture of discipline, cleanliness, order, and the best service for our children,” he concluded. As a note, there are currently 93 sites for Phase II permanent People’s Schools, targeting completion by June 2026 for use in the new academic year starting in July.