WNAM REPORT: President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has announced plans to build free special schools for Indonesian children living in extreme poverty, according to Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting on community empowerment at Bogor Palace on Friday, the minister revealed that the concept of these schools is currently being tested in three areas within Greater Jakarta.
Although he did not specify the exact locations, Iskandar referred to these schools as “Sekolah Rakyat” or “People’s Schools,” and mentioned they will be overseen by the Social Affairs Ministry.
However, parents of the children attending these schools will still primarily be responsible for their care.
Iskandar also noted that parents will be provided with an empowerment program at the schools.
When asked if the “Sekolah Rakyat” would implement a boarding school concept, Iskandar said, “It could be so.” He added that boarding schools would ensure children’s nutritional needs are adequately met, allowing them to consume nutritious foods.
Previously, the Indonesian Government recognized the importance of developing high-quality human capital to achieve the goals outlined in the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.
However, Minister of Manpower Yassierli recently cautioned that developing competitive human capital is a challenging task due to the increasing complexities surrounding human resources development, particularly in light of technological advancements and changes in the workforce.
“Therefore, we must focus on improving competency, digitalization, and adaptive resilience in facing various changes, as President Prabowo always says,” he affirmed.
