People's School Faces Rejection from Locals, Social Minister Provides Explanation
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has provided clarification regarding the rejection by residents of the construction of People’s Schools in Temanggung and Wonosobo, Central Java.
Saifullah initially explained that the construction of People’s Schools is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works upon proposals from the Ministry of Social Affairs and coordination with local governments.
“We know the land is provided by the local government, and then an assessment is conducted by the Ministry of Public Works to meet all the established requirements,” Saifullah stated at the Bakom Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
Saifullah conveyed that once the legality of the land issue is resolved, the construction site for the school is then determined.
For the case in Temanggung, Gus Ipul mentioned that there are still issues with the local community, even though the land aspect is already clear.
“Yes, with the local community where there hasn’t been a meeting point with the Regent yet, so the construction is still stalled until now,” Saifullah said.
Saifullah claimed that the issue of constructing the People’s School in Wonosobo will be resolved in the near future.
“But the construction has already started in Wonosobo. However, specifically in Temanggung, it hasn’t started at all because there are still problems with the local residents,” he explained.
Plans to build People’s Schools in several areas of Central Java are beginning to face challenges on the ground.
Two regions, namely Temanggung Regency and Wonosobo Regency, have reported rejections from local residents regarding the use of land for the strategic project.
Head of the Central Java Social Service, Imam Maskur, explained that the rejection is not a major conflict, but rather the community’s needs that feel not yet accommodated.
In Temanggung, although technically the 5-hectare land already meets the requirements, social dynamics in the community remain an obstacle.
“Temanggung has passed the land requirements, but the problem is the rejection from residents. It’s not a big rejection, but the community still needs an approach,” Imam said when confirmed on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
Initially, residents had agreed to use the village field for the school location.
However, later they changed their minds and requested replacement facilities so that residents’ sports activities would not be disrupted.
“They initially agreed, but then asked for replacement land. Later, it will be found by the Regency Government so they also have a field. I am optimistic that the community can accept it,” Imam revealed.