Parents Praise Sekolah Rakyat Programme: 'Our Child's Development Has Been Remarkable'

The grounds of a Sekolah Rakyat became the setting for emotional reunions between parents and their children. Meeting glances, light conversation and home-cooked food gradually eased the longing that had built up over weeks apart.

The scene unfolded during a routine parental visit to Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 2 in Medan, North Sumatra. The monthly visits provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to observe first-hand the progress of their children, who are receiving a boarding school education.

Among those experiencing the moment were Srikatun Suroso (53) and his wife Gustaria (46), residents of Gedung Johor subdistrict in Medan Johor, Medan. The couple had arrived early in the morning to visit their daughter Kinanti (13), a Year 1 student at SRMP 2 Medan.

“Her development has been remarkable. Without Sekolah Rakyat, our child wouldn’t have been able to attend school,” said Suroso in a written statement on Sunday (22/2/2026).

His initial concerns about his daughter’s welfare gradually subsided after seeing the boarding system operating effectively.

“It’s quite good here. The food, the healthcare — everything is monitored by the dormitory supervisors,” he added.

Before enrolling in Sekolah Rakyat, Kinanti grew up in an environment constrained by the family’s limited finances. Now, she appears more disciplined, organised and displays a markedly improved attitude.

“Children at Sekolah Rakyat develop a real sense of togetherness. In their own neighbourhoods, they’d just be getting into mischief. So enrolling in Sekolah Rakyat has been tremendously beneficial — her discipline and attitude have completely changed,” he said.

“At home, we eat whatever we can — boiled spinach, chilli paste and tempeh. But here at Sekolah Rakyat, the nutrition is genuinely good. There’s fish, and she’s growing quickly and putting on weight. When she came home, Kinanti had gained five kilograms — her weight never drops, it only goes up,” he added.

Suroso expressed his gratitude, saying that Sekolah Rakyat is more than just a place of learning — it represents hope for breaking the cycle of poverty and opening a brighter future for his daughter.

“Sekolah Rakyat is a school for those who cannot afford education. Going forward, these children will rise up. Those who couldn’t attend school can now do so. They develop aspirations for work. Their hobbies are nurtured here. Whatever their dreams may be, those dreams can come true. Thank you, President Prabowo and the Minister of Social Affairs,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Kinanti’s mother, who earns approximately Rp50,000 per day selling vegetables and dried anchovies door to door, said she has been greatly helped by the existence of Sekolah Rakyat.

“My sales aren’t that much — we just get by. Kinanti’s younger sibling is still in school, and so is her older sibling. It would be very difficult without Sekolah Rakyat. I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to go to school because we simply can’t afford it,” said Gustaria.

With four school-age children and limited financial means, education costs had become a significant burden for the family. When the offer to enrol through the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Programme Keluarga Harapan (PKH) arrived, Suroso and Gustaria welcomed it with deep gratitude.

All of Kinanti’s needs are now fully met, from meals and uniforms to boarding facilities.