Social Affairs Ministry Backs Film Production on 'Hope' Through Sekolah Rakyat

The government is collaborating with the platform Penjaga Harapan to prepare a film themed around Sekolah Rakyat. With a duration of approximately 25 minutes, the film initiated through the Penjaga Harapan platform is designed as a medium to convey the programme’s values and messages to the public. As a collaborative work set in areas such as Cariu and its surroundings, the film narrates the life transformation of a child who gets the opportunity to escape extreme poverty through Sekolah Rakyat. Carrying the message ‘from darkness to light’, the film underscores new hope for children from underprivileged families; access to education without economic and zoning barriers; character building, skills, and self-confidence; and the state’s role in supporting the poor.

Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo expressed full support for the project, stressing the importance of impactful results. This was conveyed during an audience with representatives from the Ministry of State Secretariat and the Penjaga Harapan creative team at the Ministry of Social Affairs office on Tuesday (23/6). ‘If we start this, it must succeed. This is not just a production, but about how the public can see that the state is present and gives hope,’ said Agus. He mentioned that the Ministry of Social Affairs is ready to provide necessary support in the production process, including access to locations, data, and coordination with relevant units. During the meeting, Agus emphasised that Sekolah Rakyat is a state instrument to open educational access for children from underprivileged families, not the end goal. ‘Sekolah Rakyat is not the goal, but a tool provided by the state so that children from poor families can realise their dreams and their families can graduate from poverty,’ he said.

At the audience, attended by Penjaga Harapan CEO Wildanshah, Director of the Young Citizens Association I Putu Arya, Art Director Maulana Wedy Irkham, Director Bethap Virga Kiswanata, and Producer Kiky Malik, Doni Adhitia as Content Coordinator of Penjaga Harapan stated that this project is a collaborative effort to bring the programme’s values into the public sphere. ‘We hope this film becomes a joint effort to bring the ideological values of Sekolah Rakyat to the public. This is not just a story, but an effort to foster empathy and understanding that this programme truly touches people’s lives,’ said Doni. Penjaga Harapan CEO Wildanshah conveyed that this initiative is important as a bridge for policy communication to the public. The film is planned to be produced with a dramatic approach that highlights the transformation from limitation to hope, without exploiting suffering. ‘We see this film as part of an effort to convey government programmes in a more grounded and easily understood manner. The substance of the programme remains the state’s, and creative approaches like this serve as a complement to broaden the message’s reach,’ he said. A film trailer lasting about 30 seconds will also be prepared for distribution to various public channels such as videotrons. Production is planned to run for three days with a research-based approach, in consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the film community. This film production is expected to expand the involvement of the film community in conveying strategic government programmes, as well as strengthen public understanding that improving human resources quality is key to poverty alleviation.