People's School Becomes New Hope: Thousands of Children Can Dream Again
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The People’s School programme initiated by the government is increasingly demonstrating its role as a bridge of hope for children from underprivileged families. In various regions, the programme not only opens access to education but also provides space for young generations to dream again and build their future.
Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi views the presence of People’s Schools as capable of reigniting the learning spirit of children who previously faced limitations.
During her visit to the Integrated People’s School 8 in Jombang, East Java, Arifah directly witnessed the happiness of the students who now have the opportunity to continue their education. “This programme allows children who previously felt it was impossible to go to school to now dream as high as possible,” she stated.
According to her, the programme also alleviates the burden on families, allowing parents to be more at ease in ensuring their children’s education continues. People’s Schools, she added, represent the tangible presence of the state in fulfilling children’s basic rights, particularly in education.
The programme, which began operating in Jombang since July 2025, currently accommodates 100 junior and senior high school students as the inaugural batch. The students not only receive educational access but also dormitory facilities and guidance from educators and guardians.
In other regions, the commitment to expanding educational access through People’s Schools is also being intensified. The Palembang City Government in South Sumatra plans to build a People’s School in the Lanud Sri Mulyo Herlambang area, utilising 6.7 hectares of land.
Palembang’s Regional Secretary Aprizal Hasyim said the school is projected to accommodate up to 1,000 students from primary to senior high school levels. The programme is specifically targeted at children from extremely poor families who are vulnerable to dropping out of school.
“People’s Schools are prepared by the government to ensure that children from underprivileged families still receive decent free education,” stated the Head of the Palembang Social Services Agency, Raimon Lauri.
Each student will receive financial support covering educational needs, meals, and learning operations. The school is also designed with facilities equivalent to elite schools, as an effort to provide equitable quality education.
Similar efforts are being undertaken in East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf affirmed his readiness to oversee the construction of a People’s School in the area as part of accelerating the free education programme for the poor.
The local government has prepared 9.6 hectares of land that meets construction requirements. The Regent of East OKU, Lanosin, expressed full commitment to supporting the programme as a strategic step in poverty alleviation through education.
Nationally, People’s Schools are a priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto designed to reach children from the lowest economic groups. The programme does not stand alone but is integrated with various other social policies such as health services, nutritional fulfilment, and housing support for beneficiary families.
The Ministry of Social Affairs records that to date, there are 166 pilot People’s School sites spread across 38 provinces with a capacity of more than 15,000 students, supported by thousands of educators and educational staff.