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

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has said that her province has the largest number of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools), both those in the pilot phase and those being implemented permanently.

“For those that are already permanent, the land has been prepared by the regencies and cities, and the financing comes entirely from the state budget (APBN),” said Governor Khofifah during a visit to Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi I Banyuwangi on Saturday.

Khofifah said the presence of Sekolah Rakyat demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing quality education for children from underprivileged families, as an effort to break the chain of poverty while preparing for Indonesia’s Golden Generation of 2045.

According to Khofifah, education is one of the ways to break the cycle of poverty, and Sekolah Rakyat provides the best education for disadvantaged communities in the first and second income deciles.

“The way we break the chain of poverty is by providing good educational facilities for their sons and daughters,” said Khofifah.

She revealed that construction of Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi I Banyuwangi has reached 88.7 per cent completion and is targeted to be finished within the next 12 days.

The school integrates primary, junior secondary and senior secondary levels in one complex, complete with pupil 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 highly representative and capable of supporting the learning process optimally.

The East Java Governor urged the public not to worry about sending their children to Sekolah Rakyat, assuring them that the children would receive the best education as well as good character formation.

“There are many parents, especially at the primary level, who worry about their children being far from home. Having their children in this dormitory is a process of building their independence, building character and discipline, and preparing them for the golden generation of 2045,” said Khofifah.

According to the information received, for the 2026/2027 academic year, Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi I Banyuwangi will admit 237 pupils, consisting of 90 senior secondary pupils, 90 junior secondary pupils and 57 primary pupils.