Minister Plans to Establish 5 Sekolah Rakyat Schools in East Kalimantan by 2025
Samarinda, Indonesianpost.com – Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has announced plans to establish five tuition-free boarding schools as part of the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program in East Kalimantan this year. The initiative aims to provide educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged children in the region.
Speaking during his visit to Samarinda 16 Public Senior High School (SMAN 16) on Saturday (May 11), Minister Yusuf explained that the Ministry of Public Works would be responsible for assessing the feasibility of proposed school sites.
Accompanied by East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Seno Aji, Yusuf toured the SMAN 16 campus, which is being considered as one of the potential locations for the new schools under the program.
Yusuf revealed that the Ministry of Social Affairs had received proposals for around 280 Sekolah Rakyat across Indonesia, with over 300 potential land plots suggested as school sites. Additionally, nearly 100 existing buildings have been proposed for conversion into schools.
“Once the Ministry of Public Works completes its survey of the proposed sites in East Kalimantan and identifies those deemed feasible, I will report the findings directly to President Prabowo Subianto to ensure priority implementation this year,” Yusuf stated.
Regarding teacher recruitment, the minister mentioned that the Ministry of Social Affairs is developing a comprehensive selection process in collaboration with provincial, district, and municipal governments. A database of prospective students has also been compiled, and their eligibility will be verified through direct home visits by field teams.
The curriculum for the new schools is currently in its final stages, Yusuf noted, adding that the operations of the schools, including the provision of uniforms, school supplies, and daily meals for dormitory students, will be fully funded through the national budget.
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Achmad Rasyidi, Head of the Social Protection Division at the East Kalimantan Social Affairs Office, confirmed that the five proposed locations will be spread across Kutai Kartanegara, Samarinda, North Penajam Paser, and Berau.
“In Kutai Kartanegara alone, we have prepared 8.7 hectares of land for this initiative,” Rasyidi added. (BL/ANTARA)