The Sekolah Rakyat Programme in Indonesia has played a crucial role in promoting education equity by offering free education to students from low-income families. This initiative not only focuses on providing access to education but also emphasizes character development for children, enabling them to actively participate in national development while upholding noble values. Recently, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was established between the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) to formalize their collaboration in expanding access to education through the Sekolah Rakyat initiative. This partnership includes aspects such as social welfare services, data exchange on beneficiaries, and enhancing human resource competencies in the education and social sectors. Ministers Saifullah Yusuf and Nasaruddin Umar underscored the importance of Sekolah Rakyat in breaking the cycle of poverty by providing free education and instilling character values. With the increasing dropout rates and limited educational opportunities for the underprivileged, programs like Sekolah Rakyat are crucial in uplifting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and creating a path for a better future. The Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced two models for constructing People’s Schools, focusing on asset revitalization and new construction to provide quality facilities for students. These efforts align with the government’s vision of an inclusive education system that empowers children from poor families and contributes to a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. Through initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat, the government aims to address poverty’s root causes and ensure equal opportunities for all children to receive a quality education.
