The Government Is Preparing Two Models For Building Community Schools, Focusing On Revitalizing Existing Assets And Constructing New Ones

The government is introducing two models for the development of People's Schools. The first model focuses on revitalizing existing assets, utilizing facilities from the Ministry of Social Affairs, local governments, universities, state-owned enterprises, and private sectors. According to a press release from the Presidential Communication Office on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, this model involves limited renovations to enhance the school's and dormitory's infrastructure. The second model involves constructing new buildings on government-owned land ranging from five to ten hectares, which may belong to local governments, universities, state-owned enterprises, or private entities. These new structures will include school towers, dormitory towers (for boys and girls), office buildings, and housing for teachers. Additionally, the new facilities will meet national school standards, featuring green open spaces, sports facilities, clinics, places of worship, and laboratories.

The aim of the People's Schools is to increase educational access for the poor and those in extreme poverty. "People's Schools are designed to reach all segments of society living in poverty," said Ujang Komarudin, spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office, in the press release on March 12, 2025. Ujang noted that this program offers free education to students from low-income and extremely poor families. Through People's Schools, children will receive character education, enabling them to actively participate in national development while upholding noble values. According to the 2024 Welfare Indicator report released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the dropout rate for the 2023/2024 academic year has increased across all education levels. Furthermore, 74.51 percent of extreme poor households have education levels of elementary school or lower. Data from the Ministry of Education in January 2025 indicated that around 730,703 junior high school students graduated but did not continue to higher education.

According to Ujang, the data presented highlights the strong link between poverty and low education levels. Poverty has multiple effects, including poor education, health issues, and a higher risk of children falling into crime. Growing up in an unhealthy environment can lead to unemployment and social conflict. "As the President has repeatedly stated, the People's School will provide broad access for children from poor families to receive a proper education," Ujang said.

So far, the government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has established a formal partnership outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the People's School. This collaboration includes the implementation of social welfare services, sharing data and information about beneficiaries, and enhancing the skills of human resources in education and social sectors. Both ministries will work together to develop strategic policies in social welfare, religion, education, and training, including religious teaching materials and character development for teachers and educational staff.

Tag: BPS Central Statistics Agency