The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has begun piloting the implementation of the People's School 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.
The People's School is a program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto with the aim of providing access to quality education for children from poor and extremely poor families, referring to Deciles 1 and 2 DTSEN. This program is a strategic step by the government to break the chain of poverty through education. This boarding school concept is free, starting from elementary, junior high, to senior high school.
All students will take formal lessons during the day, and receive reinforcement of character education at night. Religious values, leadership, and life skills are important parts of the curriculum.
The 2025/2026 Academic Year People's School Program will begin this month at 100 pilot locations throughout Indonesia. Of this number, 63 points will begin matriculation on July 14, 2025 and 37 points will begin 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 Locations for Organizing People's Schools, there are 3 pilot locations for People's Schools in Jakarta, namely Sentra Handayani, Sentra Mulya Jaya, and Pusdiklatbangprof Kemensos Margaguna.
Chairman of the People's School Formation Team, Prof. Muhammad Nuh, emphasized three main keywords that are the philosophical foundation of the People's School program, namely glorifying, reaching the unreachable, and enabling the impossible for children from poor families.
"Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) is not just about access to education, but also about dignifying students from poor families. These children are not only given the opportunity to attend school, but also dignified in the process," said Muhammad Nuh in front of the media.
According to the former Minister of Education, many children are geographically close to schools, but are still unable to access education due to economic and social limitations. Personal costs such as transportation, uniforms and food are major obstacles that are not covered by regular free school programs.
"School fees are indeed free, but personal costs are not. This is where Sekolah Rakyat is present to reach those who have been unreachable by the system," he explained.
Nuh also highlighted the importance of creating further 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.
"This Sekolah Rakyat is not the end, but the beginning of change. We want children who were initially considered to have no future to jump higher," he said.
