One Year of Sekolah Rakyat: Graduates Prepared to Compete in the Workforce

The Sekolah Rakyat programme is approaching its first anniversary, with its primary mission being to produce graduates capable of competing in the professional world. The Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared skill development pathways for Sekolah Rakyat students as an option upon graduation, aimed at equipping them with work skills that align with their individual interests, talents, and potential.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) shared this during a dinner with 409 Sekolah Rakyat students from DKI Jakarta in South Jakarta recently. Accompanying the Minister was Pungky Sumadi, the former Deputy for Population and Employment at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas.

The student group included 77 tenth-grade high school students, 148 eleventh-grade high school students, 82 seventh-grade junior high students, 72 eighth-grade junior high students, and 30 primary school students.

Gus Ipul stated that the future for Sekolah Rakyat students is vast. To achieve their goals, students must ensure continuous, tiered education, progressing from primary to junior high, and then to high school.

“In line with the President’s expectations, every Sekolah Rakyat student who graduates from primary school is required to continue to junior high. For those in junior high who excel, they may apply to Sekolah Garuda or continue within the Sekolah Rakyat high school system,” said Gus Ipul.

Sekolah Rakyat Graduates Ready for the Workforce

After completing high school, Gus Ipul explained that students have two paths for their future. Students who desire and meet the requirements can pursue higher education with scholarship support.

For those choosing to enter the workforce directly, Sekolah Rakyat will direct them towards vocational training according to their interests and potential. To refine this skilled labour pathway, Gus Ipul invited Pungky Sumadi to assist in designing and developing the skill curriculum for Sekolah Rakyat students.

“If they are to become skilled workers, they must undergo training that matches their interests and packages. This pathway is something we will discuss further with Mr Pungky,” Gus Ipul explained.

According to Gus Ipul, skill development is a vital component in preparing students so that they possess not only diplomas but also the competencies necessary for the workforce. This approach provides students the space to choose their future based on their individual abilities and interests, ensuring that those interested in specific fields receive targeted and relevant training.

Channeling Culinary Hobbies

This vision is felt directly by Linggar Ardiansysah (17), a Sekolah Rakyat student. Linggar had previously been out of school for two years, during which time he worked various jobs to help support his father and meet basic living needs. He had worked as a street sweeper, a toilet attendant, and a public transport conductor. These circumstances made the opportunity to return to school deeply meaningful to him.

Now, through Sekolah Rakyat, Linggar has regained the opportunity to learn and develop his skills. “Since I am in the science stream, I now enjoy mathematics. Honestly, I am learning a lot. In my previous vocational school, I learned skills, specifically culinary arts. I do love cooking,” said Linggar.

For Linggar, this experience demonstrates that Sekolah Rakyat is not merely a place for formal education, but a space to develop abilities and discover personal potential. Several other students also shared their experiences of life before and after joining Sekolah Rakyat, serving as inspiration for new students joining the 2026/2027 academic year.

In a warm and intimate atmosphere, Gus Ipul sat with the students to discuss their daily lives, listening to their experiences and the changes they have felt since gaining the opportunity to study at Sekolah Rakyat.

The dinner concluded with a performance by a student band, playing various songs including ‘Aku Milikmu’ by Dewa 19 and ‘Laskar Pelangi’ by Nidji. Students are expected to use their opportunity at Sekolah Rakyat as a momentum to build a better future and eventually bring pride to their parents.