Minister Gus Ipul Invites SP2MI to Help Update Data for 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has invited the Indonesian Society for Community Education Movers (SP2MI) to play a role in expanding access to decent education through the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (People’s School) programme.
He made this appeal while serving as the keynote speaker at the SP2MI 2026 National Gathering (Silatnas) held at the Sasonobudoyo Building, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), today.
“On this good occasion, I invite you all to participate in the data updating process. If you find students who are not yet included in the data, we can assist in updating them through the channels we have established,” said Gus Ipul in his statement on Thursday (25/6/2026).
On this occasion, Gus Ipul also expressed his appreciation to education movers for their contributions in assisting children who have not had the opportunity to receive an education.
“I am happy to be among Indonesia’s education warriors today. Volunteers who have chosen a way of life to help identify school-aged children who are not in school, have not started school, or have dropped out,” said Gus Emul.
Gus Ipul noted that the issue of out-of-school children remains a major challenge that must be resolved collectively. Data shows that there are still more than four million school-aged children not enrolled in the education system.
“Data shows that more than 4 million school-aged children are not in school, have not started school, have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out. This is a collective responsibility, and you all have chosen to help them,” he explained.
Gus Ipul explained that President Prabowo Subianto has provided three mandates to the Ministry of Social Affairs. These mandates include updating the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), ensuring the targeted distribution of social assistance, and implementing the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ programme.
He stated that all programmes must begin with accurate data to ensure government interventions truly reach the communities in need.
He emphasised that ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ does not use a registration mechanism like conventional schools. Instead, the programme prioritises an outreach approach targeting children from poor and extremely poor families.
“Sekolah Rakyat does not open registrations. It conducts outreach. We do not open registrations, but we reach out to those in Decile 1 and 2—the poorest families,” he added.
Gus Ipul assessed that the presence of SP2MI and its network of community education institutions holds a strategic position in helping to identify and assist potential ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ students across various regions.
He hopes that synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs and SP2MI can be strengthened through collaboration with the facilitators of the Ministry’s Family Hope Programme (PKH) distributed throughout Indonesia.
“We have over 30,000 PKH facilitators across Indonesia, some of whom may already be in contact with you. I want, in the future, for Mr Amirudin and his colleagues to work alongside our PKH facilitators in various locations,” said Gus Ipad.
Gus Ipul also opened opportunities for broader cooperation between the Ministry and SP2MI to support the implementation of ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ and the handling of out-of-school children through various community education programmes.
“I sincerely hope we can cooperate. Mr Amirudin can work with the Ministry team managing ‘Sekolah Rakyat’. We will find ways to assist. Afterwards, I will communicate with the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, regarding which programmes we can synergise,” said Gus Ipul.
Meanwhile, the General Chair of SP2MI, Amirudin, emphasised that SP2MI shares a mission with the Ministry of Social Affairs, as they are actively assisting community groups that have not yet obtained optimal access to education.
“SP2MI has become a partner to the government, and our hope is to focus on skills and community empowerment within Community Learning Centres (PKBM). We hope the Ministry of Social Affairs is willing to invite us as partners for the skills and empowerment of our children,” said Amirudin.
He explained that SP2MI members come from various regions and are heavily involved in providing equivalency education (Paket A, Paket B, and Paket C). Consequently, they are experienced in reaching children outside the formal education system.
For information, Gus Ipul’s presence at the event was welcomed by SP2MI General Chair Amirudin, along with the board of directors and the Acting Director of Operations of TMII, Dede Noviardi. The event was attended by SP2MI members from various regions in Indonesia, managers of PKBM, TBM, and self-supported PAUD, as well as academics and government partners working in the field of community education.