Social Affairs Minister: After 11 Months, Sekolah Rakyat Shows Significant Progress

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has stated that despite ongoing challenges and dynamics, the Sekolah Rakyat programme, which has been running for approximately 11 months, has shown significant development. He made the remarks during a Sekolah Rakyat Open House for parents and prospective students at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas 21 Surabaya, East Java, on Friday. The event aimed to provide an opportunity for prospective students, their parents, community leaders, and local government officials to see first-hand the learning progress of Sekolah Rakyat students. “Alhamdulillah, after more than 10 months, the learning process has improved, the children have started to become more disciplined, more confident, their enthusiasm for learning has increased, their growth is good, and their health is also improving,” said Gus Ipul after the event. Arriving at the location around 2.30 p.m. Western Indonesian Time, Gus Ipul was welcomed by performances from SRMA 21 Surabaya students, including a marching display, hadrah, traditional dance, pencak silat, English and Arabic speeches, a choir, and poetry. He also engaged in dialogue with parents, students, and prospective students. One parent, Ita Fitriani, the mother of SRMA 21 Surabaya student Marsya Dwi Cahyani, could not hide her pride in her child during the dialogue with Gus Ipul. “Now she is brave enough to perform, she is good in every way. She used to be very shy and withdrawn,” said Ita. Marsya, who participated in the marching display, comes from a modest family living in Semampir District, Surabaya. Her father’s income as a construction labourer forced Marsya to drop out of school. “I am very grateful that my child can attend Sekolah Rakyat. She had dropped out for over a year. She also wants to become a doctor,” Ita added. Marsya herself acknowledged that after nearly two semesters of education at Sekolah Rakyat, she has experienced a change into a better person, becoming more independent and disciplined. “I am more disciplined, disciplined in prayer, and I can also manage my time better,” she said. The event was also attended by the Governor of East Java, represented by East Java Regional Secretary Adi Karyono, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi, the Rector of Surabaya University represented by Vice Rector II Prof. Bachtiar S Bachri, Head of the East Java Social Service Restu Novi Widiani, Head of the East Java Central Statistics Agency Herum Fajarwati, members of the Minister’s Special Staff and Expert Staff, and other relevant officials.