Young Karateka from People's School Introduced by Prabowo at DPR

Citra Nur Ramadhani, a student at Integrated People’s School (SRT) 67 Pangkajene and Islands (Pangkep), South Sulawesi, was one of the students introduced by President Prabowo Subianto during the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR RI and DPD RI at Nusantara II Building, DPR/MPR RI, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8).

Citra attended the session wearing a Bodo dress typical of South Sulawesi. She was introduced as one of the People’s School students with a story of struggle and achievement in karate.

“I am very happy because I just met the President,” Citra said as reported by Antara.

President Prabowo described Citra as a child who nearly dropped out of school because she helped her mother sell peanuts. Citra’s father died when she was still in grade 2 of primary school.

Citra was later accepted as a student at the People’s School and regained the opportunity to continue her education while developing her talents.

Before entering the People’s School, Citra helped her mother, Hajrah, who is a single parent and works odd jobs, including as a daily laundry worker and cleaning mosques.

Citra sold peanuts by going around various locations in Pangkep City. The peanuts were obtained from a neighbour who had a business and were then sold by Citra around the city park to petrol stations.

In a day, she could earn a turnover of around Rp200,000.

Foster Guardian of SRT 67 Pangkep Maysaroh Abdi Gobel said Citra sold peanuts because she wanted to help meet her family’s needs.

“Citra before entering the People’s School truly struggled to help her mother meet the needs at home, because her mother is a single parent. She worked as a daily laundry worker and swept at the mosque,” said Maysaroh.

According to Maysaroh, Citra even sold until late at night without her mother’s knowledge because she felt the need to help the family.

This condition caused Citra to almost leave school. However, after being accepted at the People’s School, she returned to learning activities and obtained educational facilities and other basic needs.

Citra’s daily routine at school begins at dawn with worship, breakfast, then attending lessons and other activities.

“Wake up at dawn, pray. Eat breakfast. Study,” said Citra.

Mathematics is one of the subjects she likes. Besides academic activities, Citra also participates in a number of extracurricular activities, including karate.

Maysaroh said Citra’s ability in karate began to show after joining the activity.

“Student talents are developed through extracurriculars. There are many extracurriculars at our People’s School. One of them is karate,” she said.

Citra then won second place at the Pangkep Regency level in the sport of karate.

“Very happy,” said Citra when asked about her achievement.

Maysaroh assessed that the achievement shows Citra’s potential that can develop after obtaining opportunities and mentoring.

“Alhamdulillah, after being at the People’s School, Citra has been able to interact well and show her talent in karate to the point of achieving,” she said.

Besides karate, Maysaroh said Citra has a high enthusiasm for learning and memorises quickly.

“Citra memorises very quickly. She wants to know everything and wants to learn. Her enthusiasm for learning is high,” said Maysaroh.

Changes are also visible in Citra’s physical condition after joining the programme at the People’s School. She receives nutritious food regularly, namely three meals and two snacks every day.

“First, her mother sees from her body shape that she is now fuller. Previously she was very thin. At the People’s School she eats three times a day and gets two snacks,” said Maysaroh.

Introduced by Prabowo at the DPR

In his speech, President Prabowo again mentioned Citra’s story as part of the government’s efforts to provide educational opportunities to children from underprivileged families.

“When she was in grade 4 of primary school, Citra almost dropped out of school because she had to help her mother sell peanuts. Her father had passed away and her mother is a person with a disability,” said President Prabowo.

The President also mentioned Citra’s achievement in karate and encouraged her to continue achieving.

“Citra, how old are you Citra? 10 years old? Yes, in 10 years you may date. Citra, you may date after your karate black belt,” said Prabowo.

The President said the People’s School is part of the government’s efforts to break the chain of poverty through providing access to education, housing, nutritious food, learning facilities, teachers, and a safe environment for children from families in need.

“We are here to ensure you have a future and good opportunities, not a single Indonesian child is left behind,” said Prabowo.

For Citra, meeting the President was a memorable experience. She also expressed her desire to continue training in karate until achieving a black belt.

“Mr President, stay healthy. Wait for me to grow up and wear a black belt,” said Citra.