Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that the free public school for the poor (Sekolah Rakyat) is expected to break the chain of poverty through free, quality, and sustainable education.
"This was initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. This is an effort to empower poor families and facilitate them towards a Golden Indonesia 2045," he stated in Semarang on Wednesday.
According to the minister, Indonesia's condition in 2045 will also depend on the empowerment of the poor.
"This is our effort to break the chain of poverty through sustainable education," Yusuf affirmed.
He remarked that Sekolah Rakyat will be free of charge for students from extremely poor and poor families.
The minister stated that the school will incorporate a boarding school concept, covering elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.
"This is a government-funded school. The school will also use a superior curriculum, combined with the situation and conditions in each region later," Yusuf remarked.
He noted that Sekolah Rakyat would prioritize surrounding residents to enroll with the specified requirements, especially those from extremely poor or poor families.
He explained that students' admission will be based on the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN), which will map communities categorized as extremely poor and poor.
"The first requirement is to be included in DTSEN in Decile 1. Decile 1 is the most vulnerable group, poor or extremely poor families. Once the participants pass the first step, it will be followed up by another test," the minister stated.
His side continues to finalize the plan for implementing Sekolah Rakyat, set to begin in the 2025-2026 academic year. This includes preparing human resources for teachers and developing the curriculum, which is currently being worked on by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
Related news: Prabowo summons ministers to discuss free schools program
Related news: Yusuf seeks to make Sekolah Rakyat operational this year
Related news: Madrasahs can be run as Sekolah Rakyat: minister
Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
