Ngawi People's School Begins Operations, Accommodating 220 Primary to Secondary Students
The People’s School of Ngawi Regency, East Java, has commenced operations, accommodating 220 students ranging from primary to senior high school levels. The establishment of this school provides vital educational opportunities for children from low-income families.
Sartini, a parent from Kendal District, expressed her gratitude, noting that the school is a significant aid for disadvantaged families. She extended her thanks to President Prabowo Subianto for the initiative, stating that the school offers children who have dropped out of the formal system a chance to pursue their dreams and a brighter future.
These remarks were made during a dialogue with the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ical), at the school on Saturday (19/9). During the visit, the Minister was greeted by various student performances, including traditional dances, pencak silat, and choral singing.
Minister Saifullah Yusuf noted that unlike other regions that often start with temporary school buildings, Ngawi Regency proactively proposed land for the construction of a permanent facility. He commended the local Regent for this initiative.
Currently, the Ngawi People’s School hosts 220 students, comprising 18 primary school students, 90 junior high school students, and 112 senior high school students. The government is continuing outreach efforts to identify more potential students, particularly at the primary school level.
It is hoped that the Ngawi People’s School facility will eventually be able to accommodate more than 1,000 students across all educational levels. Students are selected through outreach based on the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), specifically targeting those in Deciles 1 and 2.
The selection process involves assessments and coordination between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, BPS (Statistics Indonesia), and local government, before final approval by the Regent.
Furthermore, the Minister explained that the school operates on a boarding school concept, ensuring students receive both academic instruction and character building. He emphasised that the initial period of learning is crucial for student adaptation and urged the Regent to oversee and support the school’s development.
In alignment with this, the Regent of Ngawi, Ony Anwar Harsono, expressed his commitment to supporting the success of the People’s School, stating that the local government will continue to work alongside the central government to advance national intelligence.