The implementation of the “Sekolah Rakyat” program, also known as the “People’s School,” under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership aims to tackle poverty through education. This initiative marks a significant move towards building a strong human capital foundation to support Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 agenda. The program, which started with student orientation on 14th July, is a direct reflection of the President’s commitment to using education as a powerful tool to eradicate poverty and prevent it from becoming a generational burden.
Designed as a fully funded boarding school initiative, Sekolah Rakyat targets children from impoverished households who struggle to access quality education due to financial constraints. While public schools are technically tuition-free, additional costs such as transportation, meals, uniforms, and school supplies create barriers for families living in poverty. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that millions of Indonesians, as per the Central Statistics Agency data, are living below the poverty line, hindering the country’s progress towards its development goals for 2045.
The lack of access to education perpetuates the cycle of poverty by limiting opportunities for human capital development. Economic hardships have resulted in lower enrollment rates for senior secondary education among low-income households, with many students dropping out due to financial pressures. In response to these challenges, President Prabowo initiated the Sekolah Rakyat program to provide equal and quality education to children from vulnerable backgrounds without the burden of living expenses.
Through Sekolah Rakyat, students receive comprehensive support, including education, accommodation, meals, and supplies, all fully covered by the state. This program not only focuses on providing access to education but also on cultivating life skills based on each student’s talents and potential. The ultimate goal is to empower these students to become future leaders who can positively impact their families, communities, and contribute to Indonesia’s vision for 2045.
President Prabowo has emphasized the importance of executing the Sekolah Rakyat program with precision, integrity, and tangible impact. The success of these students is crucial in achieving Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045, ensuring that they become capable leaders with the potential to shape the country’s future.
