Minister Gus Ipul Urges SP2MI to Participate in 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has encouraged the Indonesian Community Education Activists Union (SP2MI) to take part in identifying children who are not in school, have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out, to ensure they gain access to proper education through the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) programme. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the SP2MI 2026 National Gathering at the Sasonobudoyo Building, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, on Thursday, he invited members to assist in updating data on out-of-school children. “On this good occasion, I invite you all to be involved in updating data. If you find students who have not been recorded, you can help update it through the channels we have established,” he said.

Gus Ipul expressed his appreciation for the dedication of community educators who have been actively assisting children who have not had the opportunity to attend school. He noted that the issue of out-of-school children remains a significant shared challenge, with government data indicating over four million school-age children are currently outside the education system. The minister explained that President Prabowo Subianto has given the Ministry of Social Affairs three strategic mandates: updating the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), distributing targeted social assistance, and organising Sekolah Rakyat. He emphasised that all these programmes must begin with accurate data to ensure government interventions truly reach those in need.

Gus Ipul clarified that Sekolah Rakyat does not use a conventional registration mechanism but instead relies on outreach to children from extremely poor families in the first and second economic deciles. He assessed that SP2MI and its network of community education institutions hold a strategic position to help locate and support prospective students across various regions. He expressed hope for strengthened synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs and SP2MI, particularly through collaboration with the ministry’s 30,000 Family Hope Programme (PKH) facilitators nationwide. The minister also opened the possibility of broader cooperation to support the implementation of Sekolah Rakyat and address the issue of out-of-school children through various community education programmes. SP2MI Chairman Amirudin affirmed that the organisation shares a common vision with the ministry in expanding access to education and community empowerment, noting their members are spread across regions and experienced in reaching children outside the formal education system through equivalency programmes. The event concluded with Gus Ipul receiving a special membership card and leading participants in chanting the three core values of Sekolah Rakyat: “Reaching the Unreachable, Making the Impossible Possible, and Honouring the Common People.”