Papua Development Executive Committee Supports People's School Programme

In the meeting, Ari shared his experience of meeting students at the People’s School in Papua. According to him, the encounter was deeply meaningful as some students were moved to tears at the opportunity to return to school. “When we were at SRT 75 Papua, we talked with them, and some even cried because they were so touched to be able to attend the People’s School,” Ari said in a written statement on Friday (1/5/2026). Ari added that the children there were delighted to be attending school and affirmed his readiness to support the People’s School programme, particularly in Papua. “We are ready to participate, even in the mountains,” he emphasised. This is because many school-age children in the area face difficulties in accessing education or even lack uniforms; now they can experience education at the People’s School with superior facilities. “They even provide underwear,” Nia said, quoting one of the students there. “Some even asked when the President would visit here,” she added. Meanwhile, Agus Jabo explained that the People’s School is a programme from President Prabowo to break the transmission of poverty through education. “The children are schooled, their parents are empowered, and even their homes are built,” said Agus Jabo. Agus Jabo gave the example of Nayla, a People’s School student in Makassar, whose home and surroundings were built through the proceeds of a recent Rolls-Royce auction. “This People’s School is a golden bridge,” he stated. Additionally, Agus Jabo explained that the students at People’s Schools have various characters, meaning some require special handling. “The Ministry of Social Affairs has centres for rehabilitation, so if children need it, rehabilitation can be carried out first before they return to school,” he concluded. For information, there are currently six pilot People’s Schools in Papua: SRMA 29 Jayapura, SRT 75 Jayapura, SRMA 41 Biak Numfor, SRMA 42 Sami, SRT 77 Merauke, and SRT 78 Mimika.