Targeting Underprivileged Students for People's School, Social Minister Requests Prioritisation of Needy Children

The directive highlights the importance of precision in reaching prospective students for the People’s School to avoid misunderstandings in society, particularly in Madura, known as a pesantren base. Gus Ipul emphasised that the People’s School is part of the constitutional mandate to care for the poor and neglected children. Therefore, the programme’s targets must be truly accurate. “Prioritise neglected children and those in the extreme poverty category,” Gus Ipul stressed in his statement on Thursday (30/4/2026). He specifically reminded to avoid errors in outreach, including taking children who are already in school or boarding at pesantren. “Do not at all take students who are already schooled elsewhere or are at pesantren,” he said. According to Gus Ipul, student outreach for the People’s School must be based on the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), supplemented by direct field verification. “There is no registration for the People’s School; what exists is outreach. The data is there, the facts match, that’s what we hold,” he said. Gus Ipul also reminded that the entire process must be carried out honestly and professionally. Practices of nepotism, data manipulation, or receiving any form of reward are considered serious violations. Particularly in Madura, Gus Ipul asked PKH companions not only to work technically but also to actively socialise with community figures, stakeholders, local government, NGOs, ulama, kyai, and others so that the People’s School programme can be well understood. “Madura is a repository of pesantren, with many ulama and kyai that we must respect. Therefore, communication must be well maintained,” he messaged. Furthermore, Gus Ipul emphasised that outreach must ensure four main things: data alignment with real conditions, the child’s status as unschooled or at risk of dropping out, readiness to follow dormitory-based education, and family approval. At the end of his directive, Gus Ipul reminded PKH companions to remain humble in carrying out their duties. “Don’t be arrogant, don’t be complacent. We are carrying out the state’s mandate,” he said, reminding. Gus Ipul closed with a call for all companions to work with heart, maintain the state’s trust, and ensure the programme truly benefits the most needy society.