President Prabowo Engages with Sekolah Rakyat Students in Tabanan, Listening to Their Aspirations

President Prabowo Subianto visits Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 17 in Tabanan regency, Bali province, Sunday (06/07) (Photo: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to People’s Junior High School (Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama/SRMP) 17 Tabanan in Bali on Sunday (06/07) left a lasting impression on the students and prospective students of the Sekolah Rakyat program. During the visit, the President listened firsthand to their stories of perseverance, aspirations, and expressions of gratitude as beneficiaries of the initiative.

One prospective student, Bagus, conveyed his deep appreciation for the establishment of Sekolah Rakyat, which he said had provided significant support to his family. Speaking before the President, Bagus admitted that words could scarcely express the extent of his gratitude for a program that has provided educational opportunities for children from underprivileged families.

“To President Prabowo, I am truly grateful for the establishment of this Sekolah Rakyat. My family and I feel greatly helped by this program. I do not know what else to say to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much, Mr. President,” said Bagus.

President Prabowo also witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress of one of the students, Rizky. On the occasion, Rizky shared that he had been unable to read while attending elementary school. Through the guidance and support of teachers, caregivers, and dormitory supervisors at Sekolah Rakyat, he has now become a fluent reader.

“When I was in elementary school, I could not read. After joining Sekolah Rakyat, I was taught by my teachers, caregivers, and dormitory supervisors. They continued teaching me until I became fluent in reading,” Rizky said before demonstrating his reading skills in front of the President and the guests in attendance.

Meanwhile, prospective student Kadek Dewi Lestari and her mother, Ni Nyoman Martini, also expressed their appreciation to President Prabowo for providing children with the opportunity to pursue their education through Sekolah Rakyat. Martini said she was grateful that her daughter had been given the chance to continue her studies at the school.

“Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Mr. President. My daughter will finally be able to attend school,” Martini said emotionally.

During the visit, President Prabowo spoke directly with Kadek Dewi Lestari, who aspires to become a dance teacher. The President encouraged her and advised her to study diligently in order to achieve her dream.

“Study hard and do your best,” the President said.

The President also listened to the story of Ni Kadek Aryani, a 15-year-old girl who had been out of school for two years after completing elementary education due to her family’s financial constraints. Aryani, the daughter of a farmer, said she had long wished to return to school and enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to join Sekolah Rakyat.

“I really wanted to go back to school. I graduated from elementary school and then spent two years out of school. Later, an officer came to our house and offered me the opportunity to attend school. I really wanted to continue my education,” Aryani said.

She also expressed her gratitude to President Prabowo for introducing the Sekolah Rakyat program, which has enabled her to resume her education.

“I am very grateful to Mr. Prabowo for establishing this school,” she said.

The stories shared by these students and prospective students underscore the positive impact that the Sekolah Rakyat program has had on communities. Through this initiative, the Government seeks to expand access to education for children from underprivileged families while ensuring that they have equal opportunities to develop their potential and build a brighter future. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (AY/AW)