Minister Arifah: Sekolah Rakyat Ensures Equal Education Rights for All Children

Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi has stated that the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) programme is a concrete government solution to ensure all Indonesian children receive equal opportunities for a decent education. “This is our collective responsibility for the future of Indonesia’s children. The nation’s future leaders depend on how we treat and fulfil their rights today. If their nutritional needs are not met, they cannot compete. Likewise, if their health and education are neglected, how can they possibly excel and study in peace?” Minister Arifah said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

She made the remarks while inspecting the Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) 41 in Tasikmalaya, West Java. She emphasised that the Sekolah Rakyat is a strategic government measure to create a superior golden generation. “You have an extraordinary opportunity to grow into quality individuals who are beneficial to society, the nation, and the state. Make the best use of these learning facilities,” Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi told the students.

Meanwhile, Dika Restu Rohmana, Vice Principal for Public Relations at SRT 41 Tasikmalaya, expressed appreciation for the programme. He noted that Sekolah Rakyat has had a significantly positive impact, especially for children in the lowest two economic deciles and those vulnerable to dropping out of school. “Sekolah Rakyat is here to embrace and dignify children from deciles 1 and 2. This includes those living in inadequate housing, children with separated parents, and victims of bullying. Here, all students are equalised to learn and thrive together. Through this programme, those who previously struggled to access education can now rebuild their dreams, in line with the mandate of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution,” Dika Restu Rohmana said.