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Indonesia's 'People's School' Program Cultivates Confidence and Future Aspirations

From Tempo · (1d ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesia's 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) program, running for over nine months, is showing tangible results in student development.
  • Students are exhibiting increased confidence, discipline, and clearer aspirations for further education or employment.
  • The program aims to transform children from impoverished backgrounds into agents of change, with ongoing support for their future endeavors.

The 'Sekolah Rakyat' program, initiated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, is proving to be a beacon of hope for underprivileged children across Indonesia. After more than nine months in operation, the initiative is demonstrably fostering significant growth in its students, not just academically, but crucially, in their personal development and self-belief.

Students are starting to be more confident, already have interests and determination in certain fields. More importantly, they have the awareness to seize opportunities to become knowledgeable, principled, and smart students.

— Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul)Describing the positive changes observed in students participating in the Sekolah Rakyat program.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, observed firsthand the positive transformations occurring at the Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 26 in Makassar. His visit highlighted the program's success in nurturing students who are becoming more confident, disciplined, and goal-oriented. This focus on character building alongside formal education is a cornerstone of the program, aiming to equip these young individuals with the resilience and ambition needed to break cycles of poverty.

We want children to have strong character, be religious, love others, love knowledge, and be aware that they are the generation that will contribute to Indonesia's progress.

— Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul)Explaining the character-building goals of the Sekolah Rakyat program.

What makes the 'Sekolah Rakyat' particularly impactful from an Indonesian perspective is its direct response to the nation's persistent challenges of inequality and poverty. Unlike broader educational reforms, this program is specifically designed to reach the most vulnerable, providing a structured pathway for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The emphasis on integrated education—combining academic learning with character development through boarding school systems—reflects a holistic approach that resonates with Indonesia's cultural values of community and mutual support. The program's success is a testament to a targeted, grassroots approach that empowers individuals and, by extension, strengthens the nation's future.

They are prepared to become agents of change, both for themselves, their families, and for Indonesia.

— Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul)Highlighting the transformative potential of the Sekolah Rakyat program for its students.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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