Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) –
The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to tackle school dropouts by expanding free education through the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program across Indonesia.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on Saturday said that as part of the government’s commitment, the government has guaranteed that street children and school dropouts will have access to formal education.
“Some 43,000 street children and school dropouts have now returned to education. We hope this number will increase, particularly in major cities such as Jakarta and areas around Banten,” he stated during his visit to Sekolah Rakyat building in Legok, Tangerang District, on Saturday.
Through the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the government has rapidly renovated underutilized buildings, repurposing them into pilot facilities for the Sekolah Rakyat program.
This action was taken to immediately provide education assistance for street children without waiting for the lengthy process of constructing new buildings, Teddy noted.
“Construction might take a year, but a child’s education cannot be delayed; it must happen immediately. That is why we have these facilities,” he continued.
Sekolah Rakyat program is part of a government initiative that saw the establishment of 165 such schools last year.
Meanwhile, this year, 100 new buildings are being prepared across various cities and regencies, featuring larger, more suitable, and adequate facilities, Teddy remarked.
“In the Banten region specifically, there are two new buildings and six similar pilot schools,” he continued.
According to him, the program has successfully reached approximately 43,000 street children and school dropouts, enabling them to resume their education.
The government aims to increase this number each year, particularly in major cities such as Jakarta and surrounding areas in Banten.
“Children included in this program gain not only access to education but also support facilities such as accommodation, meals, health coverage, and proper school supplies,” Teddy outlined.
The government is currently targeting children from various vulnerable backgrounds, ranging from those without decent employment to orphans.
He expressed hope that the Social Affairs Ministry’s efforts would continue to reduce the number of school dropouts and provide a better future for Indonesian children.
“Dozens to as many as 100 new schools across Indonesia are planned to begin full operations by the end of August, following the August 17, 2026 Independence Day celebrations,” Teddy disclosed.
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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