NTT to Receive Six Additional 'Sekolah Rakyat' Schools, Says Public Works Minister

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has stated that East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province will receive an additional six Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools), with locations spread across two major islands in the archipelagic province. “There are an additional six Sekolah Rakyat to be built in NTT Province,” Dody Hanggodo said during an inspection of the Integrated Sekolah Rakyat (SRT) I in Kupang Regency, located in Oelnasi Village, on Friday. The visit was to ensure that the school’s construction was on track and would be completed on schedule. The six new schools will be distributed across Sumba Island, specifically in Central Sumba and Southwest Sumba, and across Flores Island, including Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo, and Ngada districts. The minister noted that nationally, 93 Sekolah Rakyat are already operational, including the one in Kupang Regency. He explained that students are currently undergoing an orientation period and are expected to begin formal classes around early August. Dody Hanggodo expressed hope that the schools would provide better educational access, particularly for children from underprivileged families. During the visit, he interacted with students and encouraged them to maintain their enthusiasm for learning, respect their parents, and seize the opportunity provided by the government for a better future. Felipina Agustina Kale, the head of SRT 1 Kupang Regency, expressed gratitude for the government’s attention, noting that the Ministry of Public Works continues to improve facilities even after classes have commenced. The school has a capacity of 1,080 students and currently accommodates 246 pupils, comprising 20 elementary, 112 junior high, and 114 senior high school students.