People's School in Bekasi Regency Becomes a Strategic Solution for School Dropouts
The Bekasi Regency government continues to strengthen its commitment to improving the quality of human resources through integrated non-formal education. The Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bekasi Regency, Endin Samsudin, affirmed that the presence of the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) in the area is a strategic step to provide a second chance for children who have dropped out of school.
In his remarks at the morning assembly at the Bekasi Regency Government Plaza in Central Cikarang on Monday (7/9), Endin stressed that education is a basic right that must not be severed simply because of economic or social constraints. He asked the relevant agencies, particularly the Education Office, to be proactive in reaching out to children who are no longer attending school so they can return to learning through this programme.
The People’s School is not merely a local initiative, but part of a national strategic programme implemented in Bekasi Regency. Endin believes the institution should be optimally utilised by all levels of society to broaden access to education.
“This is certainly hard work by all parties, particularly the Social Affairs Office. We know there is a People’s School as one of the national strategic programmes in Bekasi Regency. This opportunity must be made the most of,” said Endin.
According to him, synergy between regional government units (SKPD) is the key to the programme’s success. The Social Affairs Office plays a role in mapping and supporting children from pre-prosperous families, while the Education Office ensures the curriculum and teaching-learning process meet standards so as to produce competitive graduates.
The educational process at People’s Integrated School 1 in Bekasi Regency has now entered its operational phase. This follows the completion of the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS), which was officially opened by the Acting (Plt) Regent of Bekasi, Asep Surya Atmaja, on 31 August at the People’s School Hall in the Bekasi Regency Government Complex.
Endin expressed high appreciation for the successful implementation of the MPLS. He hopes the pupils can follow the learning process to the fullest so that their potential can flourish once more.
“I am grateful that the People’s School has carried out the MPLS. Alhamdulillah, our children who have been given the opportunity to study at the People’s School can now attend school,” he said optimistically.
Based on the data collected, People’s Integrated School 1 in Bekasi Regency currently accommodates a total of 427 pupils. These pupils come not only from Bekasi Regency but also from Bekasi City, including those who previously attended education at the pilot People’s School.
For the quota allocation for Bekasi Regency residents specifically, the government has provided capacity for 270 pupils. To date, the distribution of verified pupils is as follows: with a total of 237 pupils already enrolled out of the 270 quota, the remaining places will be filled through verification and validation of prospective pupils’ data. The regional government is committed to ensuring that this educational assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.
Regional Secretary Endin Samsudin hopes the existence of the People’s School will create a positive domino effect for regional development. With children returning to school, Bekasi Regency’s Human Development Index (HDI) is expected to continue rising.
“This opportunity must be made the most of. We want our children to have a brighter future, to become quality human resources, and to be able to contribute to the progress of Bekasi Regency in the years to come,” he concluded.