Sixty-five locations nationwide are well-prepared to host tuition-free schools under the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) program, which targets children from economically disadvantaged families, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has said.
"We will initiate the Sekolah Rakyat program this year in at least 65 locations, an increase from the 53 sites previously reported to be ready," he informed in South Lampung district, Lampung province, on Monday.
He said that the Ministry of Public Works is surveying several proposed sites for the schools to check whether they have feasible infrastructure and facilities.
"President (Prabowo Subianto) has instructed that the Sekolah Rakyat program be fully funded by the state budget. Hence, all pupils will receive free educational services," he added.
The minister further said that his team is coordinating with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to address all key aspects of the program, particularly the recruitment of headmasters and educators, as well as student admissions.
Providing details about the admissions process, Yusuf informed that it will entail home visits to evaluate the eligibility of prospective students since the program is meant for students from poor and extremely poor families.
"All these processes are being carried out simultaneously while we wait for the result of feasibility studies by the Ministry of Public Works," he said.
During his visit to Lampung, the minister also reviewed the local Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDM) building, which will temporarily host a tuition-free school during the 2025–2026 academic year.
"The plan involves relocating from the BPSDM to the school's dedicated building once construction concludes. However, for 2025, we intend to use the existing building first," he explained.
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Translator: Ruth Intan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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