Indonesian Minister: Honesty Key to Reaching Marginalized Students for 'People's School'

Honesty is the cornerstone for successfully reaching potential students for Indonesia's "Sekolah Rakyat" (People's School) program, according to Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul. He stressed that integrity from both outreach officers and the families being reached is paramount.

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This program must start with honesty and openness. There is no registration; there is outreach.

Gus Ipul made these remarks during an open house event at the "Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas" (SRMA) 7 Palembang. The program, which has been running for nearly a year, aims to allow prospective students, parents, local officials, and the community to witness the learning progress firsthand. "This program must start with honesty and openness. There is no registration; there is outreach," Gus Ipul stated, explaining that families meeting specific criteria are identified by officers and then accepted as students.

He further emphasized the need for honesty in managing the "Sekolah Rakyat" to prevent any misuse of funds or resources. "The management must also be done with honesty. There can be no corruption, bribery, or reprehensible actions because this program is intended for those who have been marginalized and left behind in the development process," he added.

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The management must also be done with honesty. There can be no corruption, bribery, or reprehensible actions because this program is intended for those who have been marginalized and left behind in the development process.

Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), echoed the minister's sentiments, highlighting how the "Sekolah Rakyat" demonstrates statistics' ability to provide meaning for these students. The program's success, particularly in reaching students from the lowest socioeconomic deciles (1 and 2), provides valuable feedback for BPS to improve data accuracy. "Statistics are not just numbers; they can provide extraordinary meaning for our children in "Sekolah Rakyat." Statistics can have an impact, giving them dreams for their future," Amalia said.

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Statistics are not just numbers; they can provide extraordinary meaning for our children in "Sekolah Rakyat." Statistics can have an impact, giving them dreams for their future.

Currently, five pilot "Sekolah Rakyat" programs are operational in South Sumatra. SRMA 7 Palembang alone hosts 96 students and is preparing to welcome 60 new students for the upcoming academic year, all identified through the outreach mechanism based on national socioeconomic data. Gus Ipul expressed pride in the students' performances during the open house, acknowledging the dedication of the school's staff.

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I am proud of all the children, proud of the principal, teachers, and educational staff who have accompanied them.