Ministry of Social Affairs Launches 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Kendari to Break Poverty Cycle
Kendari (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), through its Technical Implementation Unit at the Meohai Centre in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), has made the existence of Integrated People’s School 2 in Kendari a strategic effort to break the chain of intergenerational poverty in the region.
Head of the Meohai Centre Kendari, Muhammad Gunawan, said in Kendari on Monday that the programme represents the state’s presence in providing access to quality education for children from underprivileged families and those in need of special protection.
“This programme was born from the conviction that education is the most effective way to break the chain of intergenerational poverty. Through the People’s School, the government is not only providing educational services but also establishing a comprehensive guidance system,” he said following the opening of the School Environment Orientation (MPLS) period at Integrated People’s School 2 in Kendari.
He explained that pupils will not only receive a quality academic education but also character development, discipline, fulfilment of basic needs, and a safe and comfortable learning environment.
“For that reason, the MPLS activities are considered a crucial stage for instilling the values of integrity, mutual cooperation, and self-confidence in the new students,” he said.
Muhammad Gunawan revealed that besides Kendari City, there are three People’s School pilot sites in Southeast Sulawesi, namely the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial pilot, Buton Regency, and Kendari City.
However, physical construction has only been realised at two locations, namely Kendari City and Central Buton Regency.
The permanent building of Integrated People’s School 2 in Kendari is designed to accommodate up to 1,080 pupils.
“Existing students in the 2025/2026 academic year number 133, and in the new 2026/2027 academic year a further 206 have been added. This brings the total number of pupils now occupying the permanent school to 339,” said Muhammad Gunawan.
This step has been followed up through a proposal by the Minister of Social Affairs to the Minister of Public Works for construction in five areas, namely South Konawe Regency and Konawe Regency, Muna Regency, Wakatobi Regency, and Baubau City.
He stressed that the programme’s success requires strong synergy from various parties, from central and regional governments to the business community and wider society.
“We hope that Integrated People’s School 2 in Kendari can become an example of the successful implementation of a national strategic programme in building excellent human resources, while making a tangible contribution to accelerating poverty alleviation through quality and inclusive education,” he said.