Social Minister Inspects People's School in Surabaya, Waskita Karya Ensures Project Completion on Time

Social Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) inspected the construction of the People’s School (SR) in Surabaya, East Java, by PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk, to ensure the educational facility is ready to operate in July 2026. Waskita Karya plays an active role as a catalyst in providing educational infrastructure through the SR construction project. This initiative forms part of the state-owned construction company’s commitment to supporting access to education, particularly for poor and extremely poor families. “Insyaallah, it will be completed on time, so that in July next year, the permanent building of the People’s School can already be used,” said Gus Ipul in an official statement received by Kompas.com on Wednesday (6/5/2026). To support teaching and learning activities, supporting facilities are also being prepared, such as a library, dormitory, laboratory, school health unit (UKS), and extracurricular activities. “We hope this truly becomes a place for teaching and learning in a quality environment,” said Gus Ipul. He emphasised that the People’s School is intended for underprivileged families, especially children who are out of school, dropouts, or at risk of dropping out. Therefore, its recruitment model differs from regular schools. “In line with the government’s directives, Waskita continues to work on the People’s School building in Surabaya to complete it on time and make it available for use as soon as possible. The on-site team is working day and night in shifts to realise one of the government’s priority programmes,” explained Ermy. Besides Surabaya, Waskita has also been entrusted with the People’s School project in Gresik Regency, Jombang, Sampang, and Tuban. Ermy revealed that nearly 4,000 field workers are focused on completing all these projects. Some of them are local workers. According to him, the People’s School not only brings benefits in education, social, and economic aspects but also mobilises the informal sector and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), ultimately driving community welfare. For Waskita Karya, building the People’s School is not just about completing a project but part of efforts to build the nation’s future.