Lampung Timur DPRD Says 'Sekolah Rakyat' Will Reduce School Dropout Rate
The Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of East Lampung Regency considers the presence of the Integrated People’s School to be a strategic step in reducing the number of children dropping out of school, particularly those from poor and extremely poor families, through free boarding education.
East Lampung DPRD Speaker Rida Rotul Aliyah said the boarding school offers a glimmer of hope for communities classified as poor and extremely poor.
“First of all, we are certainly proud on behalf of the community that the People’s School has arrived in East Lampung Regency. This is a glimmer of hope, especially for residents in Decile 1 and Decile 2 groups, so that in the future no more children drop out of school,” she said.
According to her, the arrival of the People’s School in East Lampung is also an important milestone because it is the first people’s school to be established at district/city level in Lampung Province.
She said the programme is a form of government affirmation in ensuring that children from underprivileged families continue to obtain their right to a proper education, while opening opportunities for them to improve their standard of living.
She therefore expressed appreciation for the response and commitment of the East Lampung Regency Government, which has demonstrated its ability to work in synergy to deliver the community-based education programme.
The People’s School is part of the national strategic programme of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, which is not only oriented towards education but is also directed at breaking the chain of intergenerational poverty.
“This is an extraordinary programme from the President as a genuine effort to eradicate the school dropout rate. We must all collaborate; it is not only the government’s task but also on behalf of the community,” she said.
She also encouraged the public to help publicise the existence of the People’s School so that families who meet the criteria can learn about and benefit from the programme.
“Let us together spread the word that a People’s School has been established in East Lampung,” she said.
The presence of the Integrated People’s School in East Lampung provides free access to education with boarding facilities and character development. These facilities are expected to create a learning environment that supports the academic and personal development of students.
The programme is also expected to have a long-term impact on improving the quality of human resources and the Human Development Index (HDI) of East Lampung.
By expanding access to education for vulnerable groups, the People’s School can not only prevent children from dropping out of school but also serve as an instrument for sustainably improving community welfare.