People's School Ready to Welcome New Students, Outreach Free of Nepotism
The process of reaching out to prospective students is conducted actively through collaboration between social companions and local governments, targeting children from poor families. Primarily for out-of-school children, dropouts, or those at risk of dropping out.
The entire student admission process is carried out free of charge in a transparent manner and without nepotism practices. Selection is entirely based on the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN).
“Mr President has specifically given attention and focus to the most underprivileged families from a socioeconomic perspective, namely in deciles 1 and 2, to provide learning opportunities in a quality environment,” said Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul in his statement on Saturday (2/5/2026).
Gus Ipul conveyed this during his direct inspection of SRMP 7 in Sukabumi, West Java, on Friday (1/5).
After inspecting the facilities and infrastructure and dialoguing with students, Gus Ipul appreciated the hard work of the teachers, school principals, and educational staff who have guided the learning process well, resulting in significant changes in the students’ conditions.
Gus Ipul stated that the students have now shown positive development, both physically and mentally.
“Although there were certainly challenges at the beginning, but look at our children’s condition now; they are much more comfortable, fitter, and more confident,” he said.
He added that the students are now beginning to plan their future directions, making them more focused on achieving their dreams.
“Some want to become civil servants, military personnel, police, some aspire to be entrepreneurs, doctors, (and) lecturers,” he explained.
It is known that since first operating on 14 July, Sekolah Rakyat has accommodated more than 15,000 students across Indonesia. This capacity is targeted to continue increasing to more than 45,000 students in this new academic year.
Meanwhile, in 2027, the number of Sekolah Rakyat students is targeted to rise massively to more than 100,000 students.
“In 2028, already more than 200,000, and in 2029-2030, God willing, Sekolah Rakyat students can reach more than 400,000 students,” he said.
Furthermore, Gus Ipul emphasised again that the goal of Sekolah Rakyat is to break the transmission of poverty in Indonesia through quality education.
“This is a movement to break the chain of poverty through the most proven and commendable path, namely education,” he asserted.
Previously, Gus Ipul took the time to directly inspect the teaching and learning activities in the classroom at SRMP 7 Sukabumi. He appreciated the use of digital technology such as smartboards that have been utilised in learning as a concrete step towards education that is adaptive to the times.
In addition to inspecting facilities, Gus Ipul also directly dialogued with the students. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, he asked about the students’ experiences while living and studying in the dormitory. He also explored the students’ aspirations and provided motivation to achieve those dreams.
For information, SRMP 7 Sukabumi currently accommodates 100 learners consisting of 46 boys and 54 girls. All students are divided into four learning groups, with each group filled with 25 students.
The learners have an age range of 13 to 16 years, including five students with gap year status. The learning process is supported by 12 teachers, 7 dormitory guardians, 13 caregivers, and 1 health worker.
The students’ extracurricular activities include scouting, first aid (PMR), marching band (Paskibra), and music arts. Meanwhile, co-curricular activities include entrepreneurship, gardening, and Quranic recitation.