President Prabowo’s “People’s School” Initiative Welcomed by Educators Nationwide

The Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto has been met with enthusiasm from educators across Indonesia. Educators view this program as a concrete strategy to break the cycle of poverty and provide equal opportunities for underprivileged children.

“The year 2045 is a big year for us as an educator because by 2045, Indonesia’s centennial, Indonesia must be on par with other (leading) nations,” said Fenny Meivi Sarah Kilikily, Principal of People’s Middle School (SRMP) 21 Manado during the Presidential Directives to Teachers and Principals of People’s Schools at the Jakarta International Expo (JI-Expo), Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Friday (22/08).

Feny went on to say that the biggest challenge in implementing Sekolah Rakyat is to change the mindset of the students. Many students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and often feel inferior, but now they start to believe that they can achieve their aspirations. Sekolah Rakyat is believed to be effective in restoring their confidence and aspirations.

“Their economic struggles had led them to believe they were poor and incapable; that they had no future. That’s simply not true. Through Sekolah Rakyat, we as educators work to change their mindset, from feeling like they are nothing to realizing they are something and can be someone,” Fenny said.

Ramona Situngkir, a geography teacher at People’s High School (SRMA) 9 in East Jakarta, said her decision to teach in the program was inspired by her own life story. Coming from a modest family, she was able to attend university thanks to government support. That, according to her, is evidence that education can change people’s fate and livelihood.

“I came from a poor family, but I was able to finish my undergraduate degree with the help of state aid. That’s what motivates me. I want to be a living proof for these children that education can transform our lives for the better,” Ramona said.

Similarly, Nurakmasari, a teacher at SRMA 26 in Makassar, South Sulawesi, described her teaching experience at the Sekolah Rakyat as deeply rewarding. She and fellow educators are committed to guiding students step by step, with tailored support based on each student’s ability.

“Our hope is that these students will truly benefit from this program, develop their potential, change their lives, and inspire others around them. That they will continue to study, develop, and achieve in the future and can be contributing to (build) Indonesia,” said Nurakmasari.

Educators across the country remain optimistic that with full support from President Prabowo, the Sekolah Rakyat program will continue to expand, reaching more children in need throughout Indonesia. They believe this initiative lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive Indonesia towards Golden Indonesia 2045. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MUR)