Social Affairs Minister Demands Targeted Outreach for 'Sekolah Rakyat' Students
The Minister of Social Affairs expressed these requirements while presiding over a departmental meeting at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta today. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono and heads of centres and halls across Indonesia via Zoom, alongside Echelon I and II officials, Bureau Heads, and Special Staff members attending in person.
“Please accelerate the process, but even if it is fast, it must not miss the target. Do not forget that students must cover primary, junior high, and senior high school levels. If colleagues encounter difficulties, you can descend to the field directly alongside the Regents,” said Gus Iul in a written statement on Monday (18/5/2026).
Following these directives, the Director of Non-Disaster Social Protection, Faisal, reported that the outreach process for prospective ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ students has currently reached 12,676 children. This breakdown consists of 4,328 primary school candidates, 4,604 junior high school candidates, and 2,935 senior high school candidates. The screening process continues leading up to the new academic year.
The government aims to admit 32,640 new students this year, while the existing number of students currently studying across 166 ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ stands at 14,936.
In addition to discussing student outreach, the meeting evaluated the procurement management and budget absorption of the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ programme. Gus Ipul assessed that procurement must be improved from the planning stage to avoid future complications.
“We are required to achieve budget absorption according to targets, but in practice, procurement often piles up at the end of the year, leading to rushed execution,” he stated.
Gus Ipul noted several issues found in the procurement process, ranging from poorly considered budget ceilings and delayed preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR) to immature Estimated Prices (HPS) and disorderly administration. Consequently, he requested that procurement responsibilities be structured more proportionally and aligned with job positions to strengthen internal controls.
“Do not become too comfortable with certain individuals. Work must be systemic, not personal,” he remarked.
Gus Iul also reminded all ranks to protect the ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ programme from corruption and other irregularities. “Do not let ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ be tainted by corrupt practices. Let us guard it together,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Robben Rico, presented an evaluation of the procurement of ‘Sekolah Rakyat’ equipment. He noted that several required items would be readjusted based on real field needs and usage timing.
He explained that government procurement must be conducted through the e-catalogue in accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 46 of 2025, Article 50, paragraph (5), meaning it cannot be conducted through general e-commerce platforms.
“If we purchase via e-commerce, it will become a problem, as government procurement is mandatory through the LKPP e-catalogue,” Robben clarified.
He added that prices in the e-catalogue are formed through the LKPP curation mechanism, considering various components including the use of domestic products, the involvement of MSMEs, and taxes.
Furthermore, the Acting Inspector General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dody Sukmono, emphasised the importance of administrative order in every procurement process. “Do not underestimate small administrative matters, as they can create opportunities for much larger problems,” Dody concluded.