Thanks to People's School, This Farmer's Child from Sragen Can Return to Studying

Punijah (45) is a casual farm labourer in Sragen, Central Java. Amid her husband Rebo’s depression, which causes him to leave home unpredictably, she has become the sole breadwinner for the family.

Punijah lives with her husband and two children in straitened circumstances. Her income as a casual farm labourer is around Rp20,000-30,000 per day.

‘That’s if someone employs me. If not, then I don’t work,’ said Punijah in a written statement on Sunday (26/4/2026).

Punijah and her family reside in a simple 64-square-metre house in Bendorejo Hamlet, Mondokan, Sragen. The walls are made of weathered bamboo weaving. During heavy rain, water leaks into the house through several damaged sections.

This woman, who has a physical disability in her right hand, also shared that due to financial constraints, she could not afford to send Ahmad Lutfi (16) to senior high school after he graduated from junior high. As a result, her son experienced school dropout due to these conditions.

Lutfi even had to work in a cracker factory and mind a shop to help meet the family’s daily needs. However, Punijah revealed that her son very much wanted to return to school.

‘Mum, I want to go back to school,’ Punijah quoted her son as saying.

‘But I can’t afford it. Because I’m the sole breadwinner. So I can’t fund my child’s education,’ Punijah continued, her voice trembling with sadness evident on her face.

However, Punijah’s dream of Lutfi continuing his education has now been realised through Sekolah Rakyat. This is a free schooling programme from President Prabowo Subianto, specifically for underprivileged children.

For Punijah, Sekolah Rakyat represents a new hope for her son to continue learning and for the family’s future to gradually improve.

‘Alhamdulillah, I’m very happy. I’m extremely grateful. I’m so pleased. Because my child can go back to school,’ said Punijah emotionally.

Currently, Ahmad Lutfi is attending senior high school at Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) 78 Sragen. All his needs at the boarding school are fully met without any fees. This includes school supplies, three nutritious meals a day, and a laptop to support his learning activities.

The eldest of two siblings stated that he aspires to become a soldier. He wants to serve the nation.

Lutfi also expressed his joy at studying at SRT 78 Sragen. At this school, he not only gains academic knowledge but is also trained to become a disciplined and independent individual.

‘Thank you, Mr President, for accepting me into Sekolah Rakyat. I can study and pursue my dreams,’ said Lutfi.

Sekolah Rakyat demonstrates the government’s presence through the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) to assist underprivileged communities. The programme aims to break the chain of poverty and produce graduates who are intelligent, characterful, and skilled.

Additionally, Kemensos provided assistance in the form of two goats to help bolster Punijah’s family economy.