People's Schools, Doctors, and the Nation's Future
A total of 16 Indonesian nationals were found dead after drowning in the waters off a neighbouring country. The introduction of the Sekolah Rakyat programme is presented as an important state endeavour to tackle fundamental national challenges. There is positive regard for President Prabowo Subianto’s policy ensuring that children from poor families have access to education that is adequate, high quality, and dignified.
“In the face of social inequality, Sekolah Rakyat is not merely an education policy; it is a representation of the state’s presence in preparing the future for those who are often at the margins of opportunity,” said Moestar Putra Jaya, Chairman of the Yayasan Universitas Jayabaya.
However, strong education is not enough if it only provides classrooms, teachers, and curricula. Moestar said education must be understood as the process of building an integral Indonesian person. In this sense, the involvement of doctors and dentists in implementing Sekolah Rakyat is a smart, strategic, and future-oriented step.
“Doctors and dentists are not just present for health checks; they carry a major preventive education mission,” he added. He emphasised that children should be introduced early to the importance of living a clean and healthy life, adequate nutrition, personal hygiene, dental and oral health, and the realisation that health is the foundation for achieving aspirations.
Indeed, the reality shows that much of the nation’s potential is blocked not by a lack of intelligence but by health problems that are neglected. The synergy between education and health within Sekolah Rakyat reflects a more complete paradigm of human development.
“Schools are no longer just places to learn to read, write, and count; they are spaces to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. From here, a generation will emerge that is not only clever on paper but also strong in facing life,” he stressed.
For Moestar, this step also demonstrates that the state is pursuing long-term social investment. A healthy generation will be more productive, more self-confident, and more competitive. Conversely, ignoring children’s health is tantamount to letting the nation’s future limp.
Towards Indonesia Emas, Moestar stated, Indonesia requires policies that are not partial. Sekolah Rakyat, with the support of doctors and dentists, is an example that education, health, and social justice can move in a single, overarching vision.
“This is true education, not merely brightening the mind but also caring for the body, building character, and honouring the future,” he added.
Ultimately, a great nation is not measured solely by how many children attend school, but by how effectively schools can give rise to a generation that is intelligent, healthy, and empowered.
Sekolah Rakyat holds the potential to become a pivotal milestone on that journey. The state is present, education proceeds, health is safeguarded, and the nation’s future is prepared with greater meaning. (P-5)
The Bekasi Regency Government has confirmed that Sekolah Rakyat, a priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto, will commence operations in the new academic year from July 2026.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono said the ministry will take firm action against any civil servant found to have violated the procurement process for the Sekolah Rakyat programme.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has placed two officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs on leave in connection with alleged mismanagement in the procurement of Sekolah Rakyat shoes, which recently went viral on social media.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has formed a dedicated task force to investigate the shoe procurement issue surrounding Sekolah Rakyat.”