Khofifah: East Java Has the Most 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Indonesia

Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has stated that the province has the highest number of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools), both in the pioneering stage and in the process of permanent establishment. “For the permanent ones, the land is prepared by the district or city government and the entire financing comes from the state budget (APBN),” Governor Khofifah said during a visit to the Integrated Sekolah Rakyat I Banyuwangi on Saturday. She emphasised that the presence of Sekolah Rakyat is proof of the government’s commitment to providing quality education for children from underprivileged families, as an effort to break the poverty chain while preparing Indonesia’s Golden Generation for 2045. According to Khofifah, education is one way to break the poverty chain, and Sekolah Rakyat provides the best education for people from the lowest two economic deciles. “The way to break the poverty chain is to provide good educational facilities for their children,” she said. She revealed that the construction progress of the Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 1 Banyuwangi has reached 88.7 per cent and is targeted for completion within the next 12 days. The school integrates primary, junior high, and senior high school levels in one area, complete with student dormitories, modern classrooms, laboratories, a multipurpose hall, sports facilities, and places of worship. On that occasion, Governor Khofifah assessed that the quality of the facilities provided is very representative and capable of optimally supporting the learning process. The East Java Governor advised the public not to worry about their children attending Sekolah Rakyat, assuring that the children will receive the best education as well as good character building. “Many parents, especially those of primary school level, are worried about their children being far from home. Being in the dormitory is a process of building their independence, character, and discipline, and to prepare the Golden Generation of 2045,” Khofifah said. Information obtained indicates that for the 2026/2027 academic year, the Integrated Sekolah Rakyat I Banyuwangi will accept 237 students, consisting of 90 senior high school students, 90 junior high school students, and 57 primary school students.