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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesian Lawmaker Urges Evaluation of Boarding Elementary Schools Amid Low Interest

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A legislator proposed evaluating the low interest in boarding-style elementary schools (Sekolah Rakyat).
  • The lawmaker cited psychological aspects of children and family readiness as key factors, not just socialization.
  • He suggested offering flexible models, including regular or semi-boarding schools, prioritizing dormitories for children with special needs.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI) is calling for a thorough evaluation of the limited public interest in elementary-level Sekolah Rakyat (SR) programs that implement a boarding system. Derta Rohidin, a legislator from the Golkar Party faction in Commission VIII, stated that the low enrollment numbers require deeper examination beyond mere socialization efforts.

Rohidin emphasized that the decision of parents to enroll their young children in boarding schools is influenced by significant psychological, social, and cultural factors. He argued that children at this age require close emotional bonds with their parents, as the family remains the primary environment for character development, security, confidence, and moral growth. "A parent's love cannot be fully replaced by a boarding school's care system, no matter how good the facilities are," Rohidin stated, acknowledging parental concerns about early separation.

A parent's love cannot be fully replaced by a boarding school's care system, no matter how good the facilities are.

— Derta RohidinExplaining the psychological impact on young children and parental concerns about boarding schools.

While acknowledging the benefits of boarding schools in specific contexts, Rohidin stressed that a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate. He proposed that the government explore flexible models for Sekolah Rakyat. This could include regular or semi-boarding options, particularly in areas where community needs align better with these formats. The boarding system, he suggested, should be prioritized for children facing specific hardships, such as orphans, those from extremely poor families, or children in areas with limited educational access.

Rohidin characterized the Sekolah Rakyat program as a positive initiative to expand educational access for underprivileged children. However, he insisted that its success hinges on well-designed policies that consider the holistic needs of children. "Education is not just about classrooms and facilities, but also about love, attention, and family presence in a child's life," he concluded, underscoring the importance of familial connection in a child's development.

Education is not just about classrooms and facilities, but also about love, attention, and family presence in a child's life.

— Derta RohidinSummarizing the importance of family connection in a child's development within the context of educational policy.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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