Social Affairs Minister Gus Ipul Urges NTT Regional Leaders to Build People's Schools

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has urged governors, regents, and mayors in East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT) to promptly submit land proposals for the construction of permanent People’s Schools. The call was made during a dialogue on Presidential Priority Programs for Human Resource Development towards Economic Independence in conjunction with HLUN 2026 at the El Tari Hall of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government Office in Kupang on Sunday, 31 May 2026. ‘For regents, mayors, deputy regents, and deputy mayors, the presidential target is for each regency or city to have one permanent People’s School building, while the province can have two or three, depending on objective conditions,’ said Gus Ipul. Arriving at the venue around 10:30 AM WITA, Gus Ipul was greeted by performances from students of SRMP 19 Kupang, including a marching display, English and Arabic speeches, drama, choir, poetry recitals, and Komodo dance. Students performed with deep emotion and confidence, captivating the audience, many of whom appeared moved. Gus Ipul stated that these performances demonstrated the success of the People’s Schools. ‘Once again, this is President’s gift to families that have not been included in the development process. I am proud of the children’s incredible performance; thank you,’ he said. In his address, Gus Ipul noted that in NTT, only one pilot People’s School exists in Kupang Regency. The school is set to move to a permanent location currently under construction. Meanwhile, nationwide, 93 permanent People’s Schools are under construction, with seven others in the tender process. ‘Please reflect and imagine a permanent People’s School building in your regency, as illustrated on the screen, with designs by the presidential team and construction by the Ministry of Public Works,’ he explained, pointing to the screen. Echoing Gus Ipul, East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena urged all regencies and cities in NTT to promptly submit proposals for People’s School construction. ‘You have proven to the Minister that NTT can do it. This accelerates the Minister’s target for NTT to have People’s Schools in all 22 regencies and cities, plus two at the provincial level,’ Melkiades said. Besides People’s Schools, the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government is ready to support other Presidential Prabowo Subianto priority programs, such as the National Socio-Economic Single Data Update (DTSEN). ‘The National Socio-Economic Single Data Update (DTSEN) is a crucial reference for determining social support initiatives for communities, particularly the poor and those in need,’ Melkiades said. Attendees included Central Statistics Agency Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, DPR RI Member Dipo Nusantara Pua Upa, East Nusa Tenggara Vice Governor Jhoni Asadoma, Kupang City Mayor Kristian Widodo, Kupang Regent Yosef Dede, West Timor Regent Deputy Kamilus Elu, Rote Ndao Regent Deputy Apremoi Dudelusy Dethan, Social Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Robben Rico, Social Rehabilitation Director General Supomo, ministerial special staff, ministerial experts, KND Commissioner Jonna Aman Damanik, NTT Social Affairs Heads, village operators, productive seniors, People’s School parents, and other guests.