Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during the Inspection of Tabanan People’s Junior High School (SRMP) 17 Bali Province, June 7, 2026

Om swastiastu,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Shalom,
Salve.

Distinguished Minister of Social Affairs, Vice Minister of Social Affairs, Cabinet Secretary, officials [of the Ministry of Social Affairs], Principal of Tabanan People’s Junior High School [SRMP] 17.

Well, I would like to thank the principal, teachers, Minister of Social Affairs, and all officials. We established the People’s School to help those who are most in need and most vulnerable.

The goal of our national development is to ensure that all Indonesians can enjoy a decent and prosperous life. Achieving that goal is a major undertaking that requires hard work across all sectors, one of which is education.

Education is key to improving people’s welfare in every field. We need education and training for farmers, teachers, and nurses. We must continue to strengthen education and skills development in all sectors. This is a tremendous task, and it requires significant funds.

That is why the Government and leaders must work hard, manage public finances prudently, safeguard the nation’s wealth, and ensure that our resources are used wisely. Our country is extraordinarily rich, blessed with abundant natural resources. It is up to us to manage and preserve them properly.

I am pleased to see the progress of the People’s School program. However, there is still much work to be done because so many people need access to this school.

I remember Minister of Social Affairs reported that this school’s future capacity here in Tabanan is around 400 students. Is that correct? Four hundred? And currently, this school can accommodate about 270 students. Please, have a seat. Are these 270 students locals here?

Principal of SRMP 17 Tabanan (I Putu Jaya Negara)

[They come from] across Bali, Sir. As the land for this school was provided by the Provincial Government of Bali, students from all regencies and cities across Bali are eligible to attend this school. If the land is provided by a regency or municipal government, student enrollment would be limited to residents of that particular regency or city.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto)
I see. One question. Please have a seat, Sir. How many People’s Schools are there across Bali?

Principal of SRMP 17 Tabanan (I Putu Jaya Negara)
Currently, there is only one.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto)
Is this school the only one? I see. Then we need to add more schools as soon as possible. The regents should make efforts to provide land, and if necessary, the Central Government will help identify the suitable land. We must be creative and do our best to accommodate as many requests as possible. I instruct Cabinet Secretary to coordinate with other ministries and agencies to identify facilities that may be underutilized. If there are suitable assets available, we can make use of them immediately and temporarily until the permanent school buildings are fully completed.

How many permanent People’s Schools are planned to be established in Bali?

Principal of SRMP 17 Tabanan (I Putu Jaya Negara)
According to the plan, every regency will have one, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto)
Good. All right, I think that’s all.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and all the wonderful children here today. We are working hard for you, and everyone is doing their part. To all the students, study diligently, work hard, and discipline yourselves. Respect your teachers and always love your parents. Your parents work hard for your future, and whatever their professions are, they are honorable. You must make them proud because you are their hope for a better future. Study well. Respect your teachers. Love your parents. Get along with your friends. Be kind to others and always be courteous. Never speak ill of anyone. Do not hate others. Live in harmony and treat people well. Those are the foundations for success.

Thank you, who was it? Bagus, right? Gede Bagus, you were once mocked, and it seems to never bother you. Being teased is part of life. Even I am often teased, until now. Even a President is often teased, and that should never bother us. What’s important to you is that you must have a strong heart and good intentions. When people tease or criticize you, respond with courtesy. The more you are challenged, the stronger, braver, and more gracious you should become. Never lose confidence. You will succeed. Many successful people come from humble backgrounds. What sets them apart is that they refuse to give up. They remain resilient, optimistic, and cheerful despite difficulties. Even in challenging times, always look for the good, and good things will come. I truly believe that.

Thank you. Congratulations, and I wish all of you success in your respective endeavors. To the principal, please continue carrying out your duties to the best of your ability. Educate your students with dedication, diligence, discipline, and sincerity. Give them your very best.

Om santi santi santi om,
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Thank you, everyone.

(RIF/TM)