Indonesia completes construction of 265 People's Schools

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has completed construction of 265 Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) nationwide as of October 2026 to provide accessible education for underprivileged children.

"As of October 2026, a total of 265 Sekolah Rakyat have been established across 131 districts and cities throughout Indonesia," Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a written statement received here on Saturday (Nov 7).

Wijaya said the initiative is a concrete measure to guarantee equitable access to education for all Indonesian children, empowering them to pursue their aspirations.

The schools provide entirely tuition-free education tailored specifically for children from families in the bottom 20 percent of the national socioeconomic registry, those officially categorized as living in extreme poverty.

"The Sekolah Rakyat program paves the way for every child toward a brighter future," he said.

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He said the program is designed not merely to provide classrooms, but to build an ecosystem that supports children's growth and development.

Through the initiative, more than 45,000 street children have gained opportunities to return to formal education while receiving comprehensive social support.

"More than 45,000 street children now have the chance to return to school. In addition to schooling, they are provided with decent living quarters, adequate study and athletic facilities, nutritious meals, and guaranteed healthcare services," Wijaya added.

He said the program carries a profound social mission: empowering children to break the cycle of poverty and build better lives through education.

The government believes that every child has the fundamental right to fulfill their potential without losing hope for the future.

The Sekolah Rakyat initiative, the statement says, delivers a strong message that a child's destiny must never be determined by their family's background — whether rich or poor. Every Indonesian child has the right to dream big, and the state is here to clear the path for them, the Cabinet Secretary said.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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