Prabowo Asks Jakarta to Increase Capacity of People's Schools

President Prabowo has directed the DKI Jakarta government to expand the capacity of its "people's schools" as part of a strategic program. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf announced the initiative, stating the goal is to accommodate at least 1,000 additional students in these schools within the capital.

These "people's schools" will operate out of existing government buildings that have been deemed suitable by the Ministry of Public Works. Saifullah Yusuf indicated that ten locations have been identified to meet the target capacity. Eight of these sites are currently undergoing renovations, including buildings in Pejompongan, Marunda, and Curug, which will serve as temporary facilities for the "people's schools" in Jakarta.

The expansion addresses the significant number of out-of-school children across Indonesia, which exceeds 4 million, with a notable portion residing in DKI Jakarta. Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, highlighted that Jakarta's high population density and concentration of both wealthy residents and those seeking opportunities contribute to the demand for educational services.

He noted that Jakarta's official census population exceeds 11 million. The initiative to increase school capacity reflects a broader effort to address the issue of out-of-school children nationwide, with Jakarta being a key focus due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics.