Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection: People's School Revives Children's Spirits

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, stated that the presence of the People’s School is able to revive the spirits of children to regain hope and aspirations. Minister Arifah said the children appeared very happy. This programme allows those who previously felt it impossible to continue schooling to now dream as high as possible. The programme also helps alleviate the burden on families, particularly in meeting children’s educational needs. Arifah made these remarks during a visit to the Integrated People’s School 8 in Jombang, East Java. The People’s School programme serves as a concrete solution to ensure no Indonesian child is left behind in access to education. “This is an extraordinary initiative that delivers justice to children from low-income families. The programme emphasises fulfilling children’s basic rights. President Prabowo Subianto does not want any Indonesian child to go hungry, does not want any Indonesian child to be ill, and does not want any Indonesian child to be unable to pursue education,” she said. Not only providing access to education, the minister continued, this programme also serves as a space for children to develop and build a better future. On that occasion, Minister Arifah Fauzi also motivated the students, teachers, and guardians. The PPPA Minister emphasised that the students are Indonesia’s future generation and potential national leaders, so they must be confident and make the best use of the learning opportunities at the People’s School. The People’s School programme in Jombang Regency began operating on Monday, 14 July 2025. The Integrated People’s School 8 in Jombang is temporarily housed at the Learning Activity Centre (SKB) in Mancilan Village, Mojoagung Subdistrict. A total of 100 junior high and senior high school students officially reside in the dormitory at SKB Mojoagung as the inaugural batch. The breakdown consists of 50 senior high school students and 50 junior high school students (28 girls and 22 boys). The SRT 8 Jombang is supported by 18 subject teachers, one Islamic religious education teacher, 10 guardians, 4 dormitory supervisors, as well as other support staff such as cleaners, security personnel, and cooks, led by 1 school principal.