North Kolaka Deputy Regent Meets Social Affairs Minister to Discuss Sekolah Rakyat Construction

Kendari (ANTARA) - North Kolaka Deputy Regent, Southeast Sulawesi, H. Jumarding, has met with Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf to discuss the planned construction of a Sekolah Rakyat, a central government national programme, in the region. Speaking from Kendari on Friday, Deputy Regent Jumarding stated the meeting was held to ensure administrative and technical readiness so the strategic national project can be realised promptly. He noted that during the meeting, the Social Affairs Minister paid particular attention to the local government’s commitment, especially regarding land provision. “The Minister said that North Kolaka is ready. We just need to complete several requirements so that the construction tender process can commence this October,” Jumarding said. He explained that the Sekolah Rakyat construction site in North Kolaka Regency is planned for Pakue District. “The choice of this location is expected to broaden the reach of educational services and support access for children from underprivileged families,” he stated. He emphasised that this programme represents close collaboration between the central and regional governments in an effort to improve human resource quality while alleviating poverty. “The land is provided by the district, city, or province. Construction is funded by the state budget. The school principal is proposed by the regional head. This is joint work, from start to supervision,” said Saifullah Yusuf. He explained that under the programme’s scheme, all physical construction costs for the school will be fully borne by the state budget, whilst the regional government is responsible for providing build-ready land and supporting the smooth execution of the entire process. If all stages proceed according to schedule, the construction tender process is targeted to begin in October 2026.