Minister: Sekolah Rakyat Pupils More Optimistic About Their Future

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has stated that pupils at Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) have shown significant development, becoming more confident, disciplined, and courageous after undergoing the learning process since July last year. “We now know, we have seen firsthand how the children are more confident, more enthusiastic about learning, fitter, more disciplined, and brave enough to perform on stage,” Gus Ipul said in a statement on Thursday (11/6/2026). He made the remarks following a Sekolah Rakyat Open House event for parents and prospective pupils at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 21 Manado, North Sulawesi, on Thursday. The open house was held to give prospective pupils, their parents, community leaders, and the local government the opportunity to see the pupils’ learning progress directly. Gus Ipul arrived at the location at around 09:20 WITA and was greeted by performances from SRMP 21 Manado pupils, including a marching display, a traditional Kabasaran dance from North Sulawesi, a wushu attraction, speeches in English and Arabic, a choir performance, and poetry. The attendees thoroughly enjoyed every performance, with some visibly moved to tears. Gus Ipul noted that the pupils’ courage to perform on stage was a positive character trait. “Those are positive characteristics, and it is hoped that with this development, they will be able to produce even more work to showcase in the future,” he said. Gus Ipul also took time to speak with pupils to hear firsthand about their experiences of the learning process at Sekolah Rakyat. One SRMP 21 Manado pupil, Herlina Natalia Mamahit, said that during her education at Sekolah Rakyat, she felt happy because of the good facilities provided and admitted to being more confident. “The change in me was that before I entered Sekolah Rakyat, I was still shy and could not make friends because I lacked confidence. After I entered Sekolah Rakyat, I have become more confident,” said Herlina. Her mother, Nerlin Kasehung, also noted the same positive development in her child. “Firstly, before, Natalia could not study smoothly, but now, praise God, she has begun to study well, and she is doing better in other subjects,” said Nerlin, hugging her child. The positive development of the pupils is inseparable from the role of the school principal, teachers, and education staff who patiently and sincerely guide them. “It’s different from 10 months ago; they are now more confident, more optimistic, and have the hope and spirit to achieve their dreams,” Gus Ipul said while giving his briefing. On the occasion, Gus Ipul expressed his appreciation to the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, which had participated in the construction of a permanent Sekolah Rakyat building. “For North Sulawesi Province, I thank the Governor for providing the land so that we could build a permanent building in Minahasa; the land belongs to the provincial government. We are currently coordinating with regencies/cities on how they can also provide similar land so that more schools can be built,” he explained. Meanwhile, Manado Mayor Andrei Angouw thanked President Prabowo Subianto for realising the Sekolah Rakyat programme, particularly in North Sulawesi. “The President, the Minister, the government have created a very good programme. I hope it is utilised to the fullest, and this is all certainly for our shared future, the future of Indonesia,” said Andrei.