The Sekolah Rakyat Programme has been instrumental in tackling education equity issues in Indonesia by offering free education to students from impoverished families. The program not only grants access to education but also focuses on fostering holistic character development in children, enabling them to actively engage in national development while upholding noble values. A recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) solidified their collaboration in expanding educational access for underprivileged individuals through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative. This partnership encompasses various facets including social welfare services, beneficiary data exchange, and enhancing human resource competencies in education and social sectors. Ministers Saifullah Yusuf and Nasaruddin Umar stressed the significance of Sekolah Rakyat in breaking the poverty cycle through free education and character formation. As dropout rates rise and educational opportunities remain scarce for the impoverished, programs like Sekolah Rakyat play a pivotal role in uplifting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and paving a path to a brighter future. The Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced two models for constructing People’s Schools, focusing on asset revitalization and new construction to provide top-notch facilities for students. These endeavors align with the government’s vision of establishing an inclusive education system that can empower children from impoverished families and contribute to a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to tackle poverty’s root causes and offer equal educational opportunities to all children.
Uncovering People’s School Impact on Education Equity
