State Presence Protects Vulnerable Children Through People's Schools
The presence of the state in protecting children, particularly those from vulnerable groups, has been reaffirmed through the implementation of the Sekolah Rakyat programme, which is now being expanded across various regions.
The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government (NTB) is one of the areas demonstrating real commitment to providing a safe space for children through inclusive, integrated education oriented towards social protection.
This programme not only serves as an instrument to improve access to education but also as a tangible manifestation of the state’s intervention in guaranteeing children’s basic rights to grow and develop properly.
The Head of the Social Services, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection Agency of NTB, Ahmad Masyhuri, emphasised that Sekolah Rakyat is specifically designed to reach children from the most vulnerable groups, especially those in the lowest welfare deciles.
“Truly, the establishment of Sekolah Rakyat is to protect our children who are at the very bottom of the welfare line. The top priority is deciles 1 and 2. That means those who are truly unable to afford it,” he stated in a written remark on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
More than just free access to education, he added, Sekolah Rakyat adopts a holistic approach that places the child at the centre of development. A child-friendly learning environment is a priority, with special attention to the psychological and social conditions of the students.
“Sekolah Rakyat not only accommodates children from poor families but also those with complex social backgrounds, such as victims of neglect to those traumatised by certain events,” he said.
This demonstrates that the state understands the complexity of the problems faced by vulnerable children and responds with a more comprehensive approach.
In terms of facilities, Sekolah Rakyat is designed with adequate and modern standards. All student needs are covered by the state, from education costs, accommodation, meals, to technology-based learning resources.
“The children are already using computers, learning with digital media, and even the blackboards are electronic. The facilities are very good,” Masyhuri revealed.
The provision of these facilities serves as evidence that the state is striving to eliminate disparities in education quality between capable and incapable groups.
Overall, Sekolah Rakyat represents the tangible presence of the state in protecting children and vulnerable groups. This programme not only functions as an educational medium but also as a social protection instrument capable of breaking the chain of poverty.