Minister: Sekolah Rakyat Pupils More Optimistic About Their Future
The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, stated that students of Sekolah Rakyat are experiencing significant development. They have become more confident, disciplined, and courageous after undergoing the learning process since July last year.
“We can see now, directly, how the children have become more confident, our children are more enthusiastic about learning, more fit, more disciplined, and more courageous in performing on stage,” said Gus Ipul in his statement on Thursday (11/6/2026).
He made these remarks following an Open House event for parents and prospective students at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 21 Manado, North Sulawesi, on Thursday (11/6). The open house was organised to provide an opportunity for prospective students, parents, community leaders, and local government officials to observe the progress of the Sekolah Rakyat learning process firsthand.
Gus Ipul arrived at the location around 0-9:20 WITA and was greeted by performances from SRMP 21 Manado students, ranging from varied marching displays, the traditional North Sulawesi Kabasaran dance, wushu demonstrations, English and Arabic speeches, choral singing, and poetry.
The participants thoroughly enjoyed each student performance, with some visibly moved by the displays. Gus Ipul noted that the students’ courage to perform on stage represents a positive character trait.
“These are positive characters, and it is hoped that with this development, they will be able to produce even more works in the future,” he said.
Gus Ipul also engaged in dialogue with students to listen directly to their experiences within the Sekolah Rakyat learning process. One student from SRMP 21 Manado, Herlina Natalia Mamahit, shared that she feels happy due to the good facilities provided and admitted to feeling more confident.
“Regarding the changes within me, before entering Sekolah Rakyat, I was still shy and unable to introduce myself to friends because I lacked confidence. Since entering Sekolah Rakyat, I have become more confident,” said Herlina.
Her mother, Nerlin Kasehung, expressed similar sentiments regarding her daughter’s progress. “Previously, Natalia was not yet fluent in her studies, but now, thank God, she has begun to study well, and she is improving in other subjects as well,” said Nerlin.
This positive development among Sekolah Rakyat students is attributed to the dedicated roles of principals, teachers, and educational staff who patiently accompany the students. “Different from ten months ago, the students are now more confident, more optimistic, and possess the hope and spirit to achieve their ambitions,” Gus Ipul said during his address.
On this occasion, Gus Ipul expressed his appreciation to the North Sulawesi Provincial Government for its participation in the construction of permanent Sekolah Rakyat buildings. “For North Sulawesi Province, I thank the Governor for providing the land so that we can build a permanent building in Minahasa; that land belongs to the Provincial Government. We are currently coordinating with Regencies/Cities to see how they can also provide land for similar construction,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Manado, Andrei Angouw, expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo Subient for realising the Sekolah Rakyat programme, particularly in North Sulawesi. “The President, the Minister, and the government have created a very good programme. I hope this is utilised to its maximum potential, as this is all for our shared future, the future of Indonesia,” said Andrei.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Governor of North Sulawesi, the Regent of Minahasa, the Director General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as Special Staff and Expert Staff to the Minister of Social Affairs.