Sekolah Rakyat Programme Introduced Through Photo Exhibition and Discussion at TIM
A human-interest photography exhibition was used as a means of introducing the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) Programme to the public. Through a visual approach and public discussion, the event is expected to strengthen understanding of inclusive education.
The photo exhibition and talk show, titled “Learning Without Limits, Creating for the Future”, was held at Galeri Cipta 1, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta, from 21 to 25 July 2026. The event featured Alpha Amirrachman, an education observer from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), and senior photographer Arbain Rambey as speakers.
Alpha Amirrachman said the Sekolah Rakyat Programme is a government effort to strengthen a national education system that is more inclusive, of high quality and equitable. The programme targets children from vulnerable groups through the provision of comprehensive educational services, including a boarding school system.
“The Sekolah Rakyat Programme is a government effort to strengthen a national education system that is more inclusive, of high quality and equitable,” Alpha said in a press release on Thursday (23/7/2026).
According to Alpha, Sekolah Rakyat serves not only as an educational institution but also as an instrument of human resource development through the equalisation of learning opportunities. With broader access to education, the programme is expected to help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
“Every child must have an equal opportunity to learn, unconstrained by social or economic conditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arbain Rambey said photography has a strategic role as a visual communication medium in conveying the substance of public policy. Photographic works are considered capable of presenting stories that are easier to understand whilst building public empathy for the issues raised.
“Photography can present narratives that are easier to understand, build empathy, and show the real impact of a programme more closely to the public,” Arbain said.
Arbain revealed that public enthusiasm for the exhibition was quite high. According to him, the large number of submissions demonstrated the extent of public attention to the issue of educational equality, whilst photography serves as a universal medium capable of reaching all layers of society.
In the discussion session, both speakers assessed that a visual approach through photography can be an effective means of strengthening public literacy about the Sekolah Rakyat Programme. Through the works displayed, the public was invited to understand that every child has the same right to a decent education as part of efforts to realise social justice.
The series of events was enlivened by a fashion show from Rumah Quinsa. The organisers hoped the exhibition and talk show would improve public understanding of the Sekolah Rakyat Programme whilst strengthening public support for education policy that is inclusive, of high quality and equitable.