Social Affairs Minister Inspects Kupang Permanent People's School Construction: Progress Reaches 75%

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, inspected the construction of a permanent People’s School in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Sunday (31 May 2026). Construction progress has reached nearly 75% and is targeted for completion before the new academic year in July.

The 10-hectare site is located on Jalan Tilong Dam, Oelnasi Village, Kupang Tengah Subdistrict. “This is the permanent People’s School building for Kupang Regency, NTT. It is nearly 75% complete,” Gus Ipul stated.

The facility will include classrooms for primary to high school levels, science and computer laboratories, a library, male and female student dormitories, teacher dormitories, a sports field, canteen, kitchen, place of worship, multipurpose hall, and extracurricular activity centre. “The dormitories feature bunk beds with study desks and lockers for students’ clothing, meeting national standards,” he added.

These facilities aim to support learning for vulnerable families, specifically the most disadvantaged students. The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is responsible for construction, having conducted assessments on water capacity, disaster resilience, and technical criteria prior to commencement. “Power supply is ready, with all criteria assessed to meet construction requirements,” Gus Ipul said.

He stressed that People’s Schools are a gift from President Prabowo Subianto for children from Decile 1 and 2 DTSEN families, educating students and empowering parents to break poverty cycles and build the 2045 Golden Generation. This is NTT’s first People’s School, with plans to expand to more districts and cities under the Governor’s coordination.

Attendees included NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, Kupang Regent Yosep Lede, Deputy Regent Aurum Obe Titu Eki, Head of the Strategic Infrastructure Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Public Works’ Strategic Infrastructure Directorate Istiadi Nugroho, Social Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Robben Rico, Director-General of Social Rehabilitation Supomo, and other officials.

Currently, the provisional Kupang People’s School has operated since July 2025, accommodating 100 students at Sentra Efata Kupang on Timor Raya Road KM 36, Naibonat. Operations will relocate to the permanent facility upon completion.