The “Sekolah Rakyat” or “People’s School” program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto to combat poverty through education, officially launches in the 2025/2026 academic year with student orientation on Monday, July 14th. This program is a crucial part of Indonesia’s efforts to develop a strong human capital foundation for the Golden Indonesia 2045 agenda. “Sekolah Rakyat reflects the President’s commitment to using education as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, ensuring that poverty does not become intergenerational,” stated Adita Irawati, Senior Expert Staff at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO).
Targeting children from low-income households, Sekolah Rakyat is a fully funded boarding school program. Many families in the poorest income bracket lack access to quality education due to financial limitations. While public schools may be tuition-free, expenses like transportation, uniforms, and school supplies can still be financially burdensome for families struggling with poverty. This lack of access to quality education further perpetuates the cycle of poverty, hindering human capital development and limiting economic opportunities for individuals.
Recognizing these challenges, President Prabowo aims to provide equitable and quality education for children from vulnerable backgrounds through the Sekolah Rakyat program. Covered by the state, all student needs including education, accommodation, meals, and supplies will be fully taken care of. Additionally, the program focuses on nurturing life skills based on each student’s talents and potential, empowering them to build successful careers or businesses in the future.
President Prabowo emphasizes the importance of executing the Sekolah Rakyat program with precision, integrity, and real impact. These students are envisioned to become future leaders who will contribute to Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive and create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.