Social Affairs Minister Urges People's School Principals to Prioritize Empathy and Integrity

Indonesia's Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, has called on principals of People's Schools to foster empathy and integrity among students and staff. Speaking at a consolidation meeting and briefing for the 2026/2027 academic year, Yusuf stressed that education should focus not only on academic achievement but also on developing social empathy and character.

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This is my provision for the principals: strengthening learning and social empathy.

"Strengthening learning and social empathy are the provisions I give to the principals," Yusuf stated. He also highlighted the importance of robust management in boarding schools, advocating for clear complaint handling procedures and collaboration with institutions like Taruna Nusantara to enhance dormitory management. "Strengthen dormitory management, together with Taruna Nusantara to manage boarding schools. Complaint handling must follow correct procedures, not improvisation," he added.

Yusuf specifically addressed the 26 newly appointed principals, urging them to understand personnel administration and the People's School curriculum, which accommodates diverse student backgrounds and abilities through multi-entry and multi-exit points. He acknowledged that students vary in age and capability, with many having experienced previous school dropouts. "Please pay close attention to our students. This is not a formality seminar; execute it immediately upon returning," he instructed.

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Strengthen dormitory management, together with Taruna Nusantara to manage boarding schools. Complaint handling must follow correct procedures, not improvisation.

Furthermore, the minister unequivocally stated that bullying, physical or sexual violence, intolerance, and radicalism have no place in People's Schools. He assured that strict sanctions, including immediate dismissal without warning, would be imposed on perpetrators. Yusuf also underscored the need for standardized quality across all People's Schools nationwide to eliminate disparities in standards and achievements. "All People's Schools must have the same standards and quality," he asserted.

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Please pay close attention to our students. This is not a formality seminar; execute it immediately upon returning.

Concluding his remarks, Yusuf reminded the principals of the critical importance of maintaining integrity in managing budgets and assets related to President Prabowo Subianto's priority programs. "Do not tarnish the President's noble program with corruption and deviant practices. Integrity is a requirement, not a supplement," he warned.

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If anyone commits sexual or physical violence, People's Schools will not hesitate to dismiss them immediately. There will be no warning; they will be dismissed immediately.