State and Religion in the Frame of Education and Humanity
Our constitution mandates that the poor and abandoned children be cared for by the state. This mandate is enshrined in Article 34, paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. The constitution provides a mandate that the state must be present in the midst of society to guarantee the fulfilment of basic needs, the right to education, social justice, and equitable prosperity for all citizens.
Currently, although economic growth is relatively high, inequality remains a distinct problem. In various places, even in large cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, beggars, street children, and underprivileged groups (dhuafa) are frequently encountered. This fact demonstrates that the state’s presence is urgently needed.
The state’s presence in responding to the mandate of Article 34, paragraph (1) of the Constitution has been demonstrated by the administration of President Prabowo Subianto through the implementation of the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) programme. Juridically, Sekolah Rakyat is organised based on Presidential Regulation Number 120 of 2025. The programme is also strengthened by Presidential Instruction Number 8 of 2025, with its technical operational rules regulated through Minister of Social Affairs Regulation Number 7 of 2025.
The focus of Sekolah Rakyat is to provide free boarding education at the primary and secondary levels for children from underprivileged families (poor and extremely poor), with all educational and living expenses borne by the state. However, for families classified as middle class, this poses a separate problem because they are not included in the target group for Sekolah Rakyat, yet they require the right to obtain a decent education. This is where participation from various parties is needed to provide solutions.
Consequently, within Indonesian society, one often finds the involvement of concerned citizens who actively participate in guiding the nation’s regeneration by establishing foundations, social institutions, or similar organisations. Their aim is to contribute to the intellectual life of the nation and to handle children from underprivileged backgrounds (dhuafa). This spirit is important to appreciate as part of a shared responsibility among fellow citizens.