The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) began testing the implementation of Sekolah Rakyat in two locations, namely Sentra Handayani Jakarta and Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur (STPL) Bekasi. This simulation was carried out before the students started school on July 14, 2025.
This simulation activity took place for two days on Wednesday and Thursday, July 9-10, 2025. The students will undergo learning trials and stay in the dormitories that have been provided.
Sekolah Rakyat is a program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto with the aim of providing access to quality education for children from poor and extreme poor families, referring to DTSEN Deciles 1 and 2. This program is a strategic step for the government to break the chain of poverty through education. This boarding school concept is free of charge, starting from elementary, junior high, to high school levels.
All students will attend formal lessons during the day, and receive strengthened character education at night. Religious values, leadership, and life skills are an important part of the curriculum.
The Sekolah Rakyat program for the 2025/2026 academic year will begin this month in 100 pilot locations throughout Indonesia. Of this number, 63 points will start matriculation on July 14, 2025 and as many as 37 points will start at the end of July 2025.
Based on the Decree of the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 126/HUK/2025 concerning the Determination of People's School Implementation Locations, there are 3 People's School pilot locations in Jakarta, namely Sentra Handayani, Sentra Mulya Jaya, and Pusdiklatbangprof Ministry of Social Affairs Margaguna.
The Chairman of the People's School Formation Team, Prof. Muhammad Nuh, emphasized the three main keywords that became the philosophical basis of the People's School program, namely ennobling, reaching the unreachable, and enabling the impossible from the children of poor families.
"Sekolah Rakyat is not only about access to education, but also ennobling students from poor families. These children are not only given the opportunity to go to school, but also honored in the process," said Muhammad Nuh in front of the media crew.
According to the former Minister of Education, many children are geographically close to schools, but still unable to access education due to economic and social limitations. Personal costs such as transportation, uniforms, and meals are major obstacles that are not addressed by the regular free school program.
"School fees are free, but personal costs are not. This is where Sekolah Rakyat comes in to reach those who have been unreached by the system," he explained.
Nuh also highlighted the importance of creating advanced pathways for Sekolah Rakyat students. He mentioned programs such as KIP Kuliah, as a continuation of Bidikmisi, which provides opportunities for high school graduates from poor families to access higher education.
"Sekolah Rakyat is not the end, but the beginning of change. We want children who were initially thought to have no future, to jump higher," he said.
