The “Sekolah Rakyat” program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to combat poverty through education. Starting in the 2025/2026 academic year, the program officially kicks off with student orientation on July 14th. This initiative is a crucial part of Indonesia’s efforts to build a strong human capital foundation for the Golden Indonesia 2045 agenda.
“Sekolah Rakyat is a direct implementation of the President’s fourth Asta Cita priority. President Prabowo believes in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty and prevent it from becoming a generational burden,” said Adita Irawati, a Senior Expert Staff at the Presidential Communication Office.
The program provides fully funded boarding school opportunities tailored for children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Many families in the lowest income bracket face challenges accessing quality education due to financial constraints. While public schools are technically free, additional costs like transportation, uniforms, and school supplies create barriers for families struggling to make ends meet.
Poverty not only limits access to education but also restricts access to essential services like healthcare and proper infrastructure. As of September 2024, statistics show that millions of Indonesians live below the poverty line, hindering the country’s progress towards its development goals.
To address these challenges, President Prabowo introduced the Sekolah Rakyat program, ensuring that vulnerable children receive a quality education without financial burdens. The program covers all educational needs, including accommodation, meals, and supplies, allowing students to focus on their studies and future aspirations.
Beyond just access to education, Sekolah Rakyat aims to equip students with life skills based on their talents and potentials. By empowering these students, the program aims to uplift not only their lives but also their families and communities. President Prabowo emphasizes the importance of executing this program with precision, integrity, and genuine impact to nurture the next generation of leaders who will contribute to Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045.
