Tito Performs Groundbreaking for 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Biak Numfor, Papua

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Sekolah Rakyat in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, on Saturday (1/8). This move represents the Ministry of Home Affairs’ commitment to supporting the implementation of the President’s priority programmes.

Tito stated that President Prabowo Subianto holds a deep concern for the underprivileged, which is manifested in the development policy of Sekolah Rakyat. This policy was born from the President’s concern regarding abandoned children. “One way is by providing them with schools so they no longer become beggars like their fathers, or scavengers like their fathers. They must move up the social ladder, and that is the responsibility of the state,” said Tito.

Sekolah Rakyat falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos). The programme targets abandoned children from underprivileged communities, specifically those in deciles 1 and 2. The schools are designed as boarding facilities, with all educational costs fully covered by the state. In addition to providing supporting facilities and the best teaching staff, the development of Sekolah Rakyat is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with coordinating local governments to support the programme’s implementation, including through the provision of land.

Tito acknowledged that not all regions responded immediately to the programme. In Papua Province, he noted that only a few areas had shown readiness from the beginning. “One of the proactive ones is the Regent of Biak… If he had not prepared this, it would not have happened. In Papua itself, only three have welcomed it: Jayapura, Sarmi, and Biak,” he added.

Tito mentioned that President Prabowo had inaugurated 166 Sekolah Rakyat simultaneously from Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, in January 2026. Following that inauguration, the construction of Sekolah Rakyat continues to be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works (PU) across various regions using the same building prototype.

On this occasion, Tito also urged regional heads across the Papua region to support the Sekolah Rakyat programme. According to him, the programme is a strategic step in expanding educational access while providing opportunities for children from underprivileged families to secure a better future. “I also feel proud to be able to perform the groundbreaking here… I am grateful and honoured,” he said.