President Prabowo Subianto: Gov’t Aims to Expand People’s School Program

President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday (09/11) visits the People High School (SRMA) Margaguna in South Jakarta. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding development of Sekolah Rakyat (the People’s School) program as part of the measures to ensure equal access to education.

The President delivered the statement after visiting the People High School (SRMA) Margaguna in South Jakarta, Thursday (09/11).

President Prabowo explained that the development of the People’s Schools would be gradually expanded, with a target of 100 new schools each year. With this approach, the Government aims to establish 500 People Schools in underdeveloped regions. The program will also reach lower-middle-income groups.

“In statistical terms, the target would be from deciles 1 and 2, but we are also planning the program for deciles 2, 3, 4, and 5. We are preparing this so that all of our children can access education with good facilities. We cannot afford to be left behind by other nations. That is our aspiration. God willing, we will get there,” the President said.

The President also emphasized the importance of concrete intervention so that children from underprivileged families do not drop out of school. The People’s Schools are expected to foster self-confidence while providing the best possible education for the students. In this way, Indonesia’s young generation will not fall behind other nations.

“For children who may once have felt inferior because their parents live in hardship, we will bring them out of poverty, and provide them the best possible environment, so they will gain confidence and receive the best education we can provide,” the President stated.

During the visit, the President also stated that the facilities at SRMA Margaguna, including dormitories and other educational facilities, have met the standard to support the students.

“There is always room for improvement,  but this is already a very good campus. I think, compared to other schools in Indonesia, this one is very, very good,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/MMB)