Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono, announced that 66 tuition-free schools are set to be established across the country under the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) program.
Speaking in Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday, he stated that the teaching staff for these schools is ready and the curriculum has been prepared by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
However, he emphasized that the teachers appointed to these schools must live near the institutions.
According to Priyono, the ministry will cooperate with regional governments to provide teachers for the Sekolah Rakyat program, which follows a boarding school concept.
Regarding the teachers' status, Priyono mentioned that President Prabowo Subianto wants government employees to be appointed to teach in these schools. However, this will depend on the situation in each region.
Priyono explained that Sekolah Rakyat aims to provide education to underprivileged students.
“We are conducting assessments of the students," he said. "This program is prioritized for underprivileged students."
He added that President Prabowo wants each region to have at least one Sekolah Rakyat school with a capacity of 1,000 students across elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.
All student needs, including uniforms, stationery, food, and accommodation, will be provided by the state.
The government has also formed a dedicated task force to build the infrastructure and facilities needed to implement the Sekolah Rakyat program.
Govt to establish 66 tuition-free schools under Sekolah Rakyat program
Kamis, 8 Mei 2025 22:30 WIB
Elementary school student Naila Syamsul puts on shoes before going to school in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on May 7, 2025. She got the opportunity to become a student at Sekolah Rakyat, a government program for underprivileged children. (ANTARA FOTO/Hasrul Said/YU)
