President Visits Tabanan; Jakarta to Provide Free Private Schooling

Several humanitarian and social developments occurred across the nation on Sunday (7/6). Key highlights include President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions to expand ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ (People’s Schools) in Bali and Jakarta’s initiative to provide free education through private schools.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and relevant ministries to immediately increase ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ facilities in Bali Province to accommodate the high number of applications from underprivileged students. “We must increase them as quickly as possible; we will make an effort. The central government will endeavour to find the necessary land,” stated President Prabowo during his visit to SR Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 17 Tabanan, Bali, according to a broadcast from the Presidential Secretariat.

The President explained that this instruction for accelerated construction is a response to reports of student numbers exceeding the capacity of the only existing ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ facility in Bali.

During his visit to SRMP 17 Tabanan, President Prabowo shared personal anecdotes of facing ridicule to motivate students from low-income families. “Not just you, I have often been mocked, and even as President, I am often mocked. It is alright, as long as your heart is firm and our intentions are good,” said the President, urging students not to be disheartened by bullying or insults from their surroundings.

In terms of infrastructure, the government aims to complete the construction of the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, by 20 June 2026. Work progress has reached 58 per cent. Herzaky Mahendra Putra, Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, stated that acceleration is ongoing to ensure the facilities can be utilised by the community as soon as possible.

In Jakarta, the Provincial Government is addressing the perennial issue of limited capacity in state schools. Every new academic year, tens of thousands of students fail to secure spots in state schools due to insufficient capacity; for instance, Jakarta’s state junior high schools can only accommodate approximately 47 per cent of total applicants. To resolve this, the Jakarta Provincial Government has partnered with private schools, agreeing to bear the full cost of education for students to ensure access to free schooling.