Sekolah Rakyat Programme Introduced Through Photo Exhibition and Discussion at TIM

A human interest photography exhibition is being used as a means to introduce the Sekolah Rakyat programme to the public. Through a visual approach and public discussion, the activity is expected to strengthen understanding of inclusive education. The photo exhibition and talkshow, titled ‘Belajar Tanpa Batas, Berkarya untuk Masa Depan’ (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 Education Observer from the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII) Alpha Amirrachman and senior photographer Arbain Rambey as speakers. Alpha Amirrachman stated that the Sekolah Rakyat programme is a government effort to strengthen the national education system to be more inclusive, high-quality, and equitable. The programme targets children from vulnerable groups through the provision of comprehensive educational services, including the implementation of a boarding school system. ‘The Sekolah Rakyat programme is a government effort to strengthen the national education system to be more inclusive, high-quality, and equitable,’ Alpha said. According to Alpha, Sekolah Rakyat not only functions as an educational institution but also as an instrument for human resource development through the equalisation of learning opportunities. With broader access to education, the programme is expected to help break the intergenerational chain of poverty. ‘Every child must obtain equal learning opportunities regardless of social or economic conditions,’ he said. Meanwhile, Arbain Rambey said that photography has a strategic role as a visual communication medium in conveying the substance of public policy. He assessed that photographic works can present stories that are easier to understand while building public empathy towards the issues raised. ‘Photography is able to 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. He said the large number of submitted works shows significant public attention to the issue of educational equality, while photography serves as a universal medium that can reach various levels of society. During the discussion session, both speakers assessed that the visual approach through photography can be an effective means of strengthening public literacy regarding the Sekolah Rakyat programme. Through the works displayed, the public is invited to understand that every child has the same right to obtain a proper education as part of realising social justice. The series of activities was also enlivened by a fashion show from Rumah Quinsa.