Social Affairs Minister Urges Acceleration of Permanent People's School Construction in Sigi and Central Lombok
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, has requested the acceleration of permanent People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) construction in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, and Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The request was communicated during an audience with both regional heads at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
The audience was attended by Sigi Regent Mohamad Rizal Intjenae and Central Lombok Regent Lalu Pathul Bahri, alongside Ministry of Social Affairs Secretary-General Robben Rico, General Bureau Chief Salahudin Yahya, and several ministerial special staff. From Sigi Regency, Regional Secretary Nuim Hayat and Social Services Head Ariyanto participated, whilst Central Lombok was represented by Regional Secretary Lalu Firman Wijaya and Social Services Head Masnun.
During the meeting, Sigi Regency Government reported on the development progress of permanent People’s School construction being processed from the pilot school SRMP 22 Sigi. Central Lombok Regency Government, meanwhile, expressed readiness to immediately proceed to the permanent construction phase, despite not having previously operated a pilot school.
Gus Ipul emphasised that People’s Schools are designed not merely as educational institutions, but as integrated programmes to improve the welfare of beneficiary families. “This is not an ordinary school. The children attend school, their parents are empowered, their parents are encouraged to join Red and White Cooperatives, their homes are built to be liveable. These are all interconnected social assistance measures,” he stated.
According to the minister, the programme’s objective extends beyond graduating students to ensuring that beneficiary families escape the cycle of poverty. “We cannot only care for the children. Their families must also advance. So when the children graduate, their families must not remain poor,” he said.
Gus Ipul added that the People’s School programme is designed measurably with an annual target of beneficiary families achieving independence and no longer relying on social assistance. “Every year, there must be families who truly exit the programme and become independent families,” he noted.
In technical discussions, Sigi Regency Government reported that permanent school construction remains subject to further coordination with the Ministry of Public Works. Central Lombok’s representatives outlined administrative progress and land readiness for school development. Ministry of Social Affairs Secretary-General Robben Rico stated that administratively, Central Lombok has reached a stage ready for immediate implementation, with some technical notes still requiring resolution at the regional level.
Gus Ipul urged Central Lombok Regency Government to move quickly, including preparing basic needs should they need to begin with the pilot phase. “If we must start from the pilot phase, the process must proceed immediately. There must be recruitment of school principals and teachers, as well as preparation of facilities such as beds, toilets, classrooms, libraries, and kitchens,” he said.
He added that the People’s School programme requires strong command from regional heads due to numerous technical aspects that must be ensured from the outset, including land status, environmental impact assessment documents, electrical networks, clean water supply, and other supporting documentation.
Through this audience, the Ministry of Social Affairs and regional governments have strengthened coordination to ensure the permanent People’s School development in Sigi and Central Lombok can be realised promptly.