People's School Initiative Boosts Student Health and Achievements
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, outlined the developments in the Sekolah Rakyat programme during a government press conference held at the Auditorium of the Government Communication Agency in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
The event formed part of the presentation of cross-sectoral government programme achievements, including the Free Health Check (CKG) programme in schools, tuberculosis (TB) management, and strengthening educational access for vulnerable groups.
In his presentation, Gus Ipul stressed that Sekolah Rakyat is designed as a strategic government effort to break the chain of poverty through education. The programme targets children from low-income families who have previously lacked proper access to education.
“We designed Sekolah Rakyat as an effort to cut the chain of poverty. The state must be present for those who have been invisible until now,” he stated.
The programme is implemented based on the constitutional mandate, particularly Article 34 of the 1945 Constitution, which affirms the state’s obligation to support the poor and neglected children.
Data indicates that the majority of Sekolah Rakyat students come from families in deciles 1 and 2 of the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN). Around 60 per cent of parents work as labourers or daily wage earners, 67 per cent earn less than Rp1 million per month, and 65 per cent have more than four dependents. Even some students have never attended school or have dropped out due to highly vulnerable social conditions.
Unlike regular schools, student admissions are conducted through active outreach based on data, field verification, dialogue with parents, and determination by local governments. For the 2026 academic year, the government targets the admission of 32,640 new students.
Currently, Sekolah Rakyat operates in 166 pilot locations across 34 provinces and 131 regencies/cities, with more than 14,936 students enrolled.
After running for more than nine months, Gus Ipul noted significant changes among the students in terms of health, character, and academics.
In terms of health, students who previously suffered from malnutrition, anaemia, and low fitness now show improvements. Their weight and height have increased, physical condition is fitter, and concentration in learning has improved.
“A healthy child has a much better opportunity to learn,” he said.
On the character front, students exhibit positive behavioural changes such as greater discipline, confidence, independence, and better living habits. Parental testimonials also indicate that children are now more diligent in worship, accustomed to waking up early, less dependent on gadgets, and beginning to help their families.
“Sekolah Rakyat not only changes one child but restores hope in an entire family,” he remarked.
In academics, in 2026 Sekolah Rakyat will graduate its first 453 students from primary, secondary, and high school levels. Graduates will be directed to continue education or enter the workforce as skilled workers according to their interests and potentials.
Student achievements are also emerging. One example is the second-place win in the Senkaido Open International Karate Championship Series 7 in 2025. Additionally, 162 students have achieved national-level accolades, 87 at the provincial level, and 75 at the regency/city level.
Gus Ipul assured that the entire programme implementation is conducted transparently and accountably in accordance with applicable regulations.
Meanwhile, Head of the Government Communication Agency Mohammad Qodari emphasised the importance of early health interventions through schools.
“Through schools, the state is present to ensure all children receive equal basic services, so potential health problems can be detected and addressed more quickly,” he said.