Kediri Regency Government Commits to Ensuring Success of 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme

Kediri Regent Hanindhito Himawan Pramana inspected the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) for new students at the Integrated People’s School I of Kediri Regency on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. The regent, commonly known as Mas Dhito, also took time to dialogue with students and parents during an Open House event held at the new building in Plosoklaten District. According to Mas Dhito, the students at the People’s School are children from families categorised as extremely poor. Mas Dhito stated that the People’s School programme, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is a solution to prevent children from poor families from missing out on school or dropping out. “Education is a way to break the chain of poverty,” said Mas Dhito. At the People’s School, children from extremely poor families gain access to formal education, including free boarding. This is also implemented by the Kediri Regency Government through SMA Dharma Wanita 1 Pare Boarding School. In the 2026/2027 academic year, the Integrated People’s School I of Kediri Regency is not only catering to high school students but also reaching new students at the primary and junior high school levels. In total, there are 248 new students, comprising 23 primary school students, 107 junior high school students, and 118 high school students. “We will fully oversee this People’s School. Today, our full team is here to ensure that this programme does not just run, but that it is a successful programme,” he said. According to Mas Dhito, the indicator of success is that children who previously could not continue their education can now progress to higher levels, even to university. With that, they can eventually uplift the status of their parents or families. “The Kediri Regency Government and the Central Government will collaborate to provide the best for these children,” said Mas Dhito. The Head of the Integrated People’s School I of Kediri Regency, Fadeli, conveyed that besides the new students, the school currently has 99 existing first-batch students in the 11th grade of high school. All People’s School students are identified through outreach and must come from extremely poor families. He expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Kediri Regency Government. In addition to the land for establishing the People’s School, the Kediri Regency Government, through the Education Office, provides teaching staff support. “Thank you, Regent Mas Dhito, we have been supported with 6 primary school class teachers, 1 physical education teacher, and 13 junior high school teachers,” said Fadeli. The event was also attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, including representatives from the Kediri Regency PKK and the Ministry of Social Affairs.