Meeting Students of Sekolah Rakyat, Prabowo: If Mocked, Respond with Politeness
President Prabowo Subianto delivered motivational messages and touching advice to students of Sekolah Rakyat. According to the President, the keys to success are maintaining harmony, respecting teachers, and loving one’s parents.
“The important thing is that your heart is steadfast and our hearts are good. If we are mocked, we respond with politeness; the more we are insulted, the more steadfast, brave, and polite we must become,” Prabowo stated in a written statement on Monday (8/6/2026).
He shared these sentiments while providing guidance to students of Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 17 Tabanan, Bali, on Sunday (7/6/2026). Accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Lt Col Teddy Indra Wijaya, the President arrived at the location around 11:40 WITA. The delegation was welcomed by cheers and a Kecak dance, followed by student performances including choirs, poetry, and English speeches.
During the event, Prabowo engaged in dialogue with students, prospective students, and parents. One student, Gede Bagus Abimanyu from SRMP 17 Tabanan, shared his personal journey. Coming from a humble background, Bagus spoke of his mother, a domestic worker, who raised him alone after his father passed away.
Bagus recounted his experiences before and after joining Sekolah Rakyat. Prior to enrolling, he suffered from bullying during primary school, which left him traumatised and lacking confidence. However, at Sekolah Rakyat, that trauma has been replaced by hope. Bagus has since found the courage to speak before the President and has been appointed as an Anti-Bullying Ambassador at SRMP 17 Tabanan.
“I hope that with this title, I can prevent bullying in this school and protect my friends from experiencing what I went through,” said Bagus while embracing his mother. The atmosphere grew even more heartfelt as President Prabowo rose from his seat to approach and embrace Bagus, expressing his satisfaction with the development of the Sekolah Rakyat programme.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (known as Gus Ipul), emphasised three things that are strictly prohibited within Sekolah Rakyat: bullying, physical or sexual violence, and intolerance. “These are strictly forbidden; perpetrators will be dealt with firmly and will be expelled immediately,” stated Gus Ipul, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono.
Furthermore, Gus Ipul explained that the construction of permanent Sekolah Rakyat buildings is currently underway at 93 locations across Indonesia, including in Karangasem Regency, Bali. While the current facilities are allocated for 270 new students, the number of prospective students has exceeded 400. “Currently, more than 400 participants are covered; for junior and senior high school levels, demand has exceeded capacity and allocation, while the primary school level is still in progress,” he concluded.