Indonesian military and police personnel mentor students at People's Schools

More than a thousand personnel from Indonesia's military and police have been deployed as 'Taruna Bhakti Nusantara' to support students at various People's Schools nationwide. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs, aims to provide mentorship and guidance to students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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We are grateful that everyone is already in their respective places. God willing, here they will guide and provide role models for the students of the People's Schools in strengthening discipline and extracurricular activities.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, officially commenced the program during a review of the Taruna Bhakti Nusantara and the initial student orientation period (MPLS) at the Integrated People's School (SRT) 1 Gresik in East Java. He expressed gratitude for the successful deployment, stating the personnel would "guide and provide role models for the students of the People's Schools in strengthening discipline and extracurricular activities."

The Taruna Bhakti Nusantara will focus on instilling discipline and fostering independence among students in the boarding school environment. Their duties include assisting with scouting activities, drill training, maintaining dormitories, personal item care, and cultivating daily discipline within the academic routine. This program aligns with the broader goal of providing quality education and life skills to students who often come from impoverished or extremely poor families, with some having previously dropped out of school or never attended formal education.

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The teachers are adapting, and so are the children. With permanent buildings that may not be 100 percent complete, we know the facilities are quite complete and are expected to truly support a quality learning process.

Gus Ipul acknowledged that the schools, some of which are still undergoing facility improvements, are adapting to a new educational system. He praised the ongoing adaptation process for both teachers and students, noting that the existing facilities are comprehensive and expected to support a high-quality learning environment. The recruitment of students is based on the Single Integrated Socio-Economic National Data (DTSEN), involving thorough verification and parental consent before enrollment.

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This is a pride in itself for us to be assigned to provide a little bit of...