Samarinda readies 'Sekolah Rakyat' building to welcome new students

The Samarinda City Government has ensured the infrastructure readiness of the Sekolah Rakyat building, located in the Palaran District, to welcome new students for the 2026/2027 academic year.

“We are committed to ensuring that this educational facility is ready for use when the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) begins,” said the Deputy Mayor of Samarinda, Saefuddin Zuhri, in Samarinda on Wednesday.

The permanent building is situated in the Palaran District, Samarinda, and is constructed on a seven-hectare site with a total building area of 27,498.18 square metres. This integrated institution is projected to serve as a pilot Sekolah Rakyat for the East Kalimantan Province.

“Project management must accelerate the completion of crucial civil construction works, as only six days remain for implementation,” Saefuddin emphasised.

The local government’s strategy involves reaching out to children from underprivileged families to ensure guaranteed access to decent and high-quality education.

“On behalf of the Samarinda City Government, we express our appreciation and gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Task Force for the Accelerated Development of Sekolah Rakyat infrastructure,” said Saefuddin.

The capacity for new students at the Sekolah Rakyat has been proportionally allocated with a total quota of 210 pupils. All students who pass the screening process from the lowest wealth deciles will be placed in the permanent Palaran facility.

For the Primary School (SD) level, the capacity for new students in Palaran, Samarinda, has been set at 60 seats, comprising 55 children from Samarinda and five students from neighbouring regencies. The seat allocation for the Junior High School (SMP) level is strictly centralised for 60 students of school age within the provincial capital.

At the Senior High School (SMA) level, the largest capacity is provided for 90 students, accommodating 80 local teenagers from Samarinda and 10 students from neighbouring areas.

“Close cooperation from all parties will determine the success of our children’s future, ensuring they obtain their fundamental right to education,” Saefuddin concluded.