Government Launches People’s School to Tackle Poverty

RRI.CO.ID, Majalengka - The government’s new poverty alleviation strategy integrates education and family empowerment through the People’s School program, which targets vulnerable families to break the cycle of poverty.

“This program is for the most disadvantaged families, and we ensure that only those who truly need it can attend,” said Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, after an event at the Majalengka Youth Center (GGM) on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The People’s School focuses on educational access and family welfare, providing support such as home repairs, health insurance, and skills training to parents.

The initiative is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s strategic policy to combine education and social welfare, aiming to help families become more independent.

Nationally, participation continues to grow. “In 2026, we accepted more than 30,000 additional students, bringing the total to over 45,000. By 2027, we aim to reach around 100,000 students across Indonesia,” Minister Saifullah said.

In Majalengka, the program has begun with a pilot school operating in temporary facilities. “Now that the land has been cleared, God willing, a permanent building with a capacity of 1,000 students will be built this year,” he added.

The minister emphasized the importance of public oversight in the selection process to ensure the program reaches families most in need.

“I want everyone to participate in monitoring because the selection process begins this year. We will ensure that those accepted are the least fortunate,” he said.

At the same event, Majalengka Regent H. Eman Suherman expressed appreciation for the central government’s support, noting that the regional administration has prepared seven hectares of land in Simpeurem, Cigasong Subdistrict, for the construction of a permanent People’s School.

“We were worried that the People’s School in Majalengka would not be realized, but the central government has given us confidence,” he said.

The regency has also allocated funds from the Regional Budget (APBD) to improve road access to the site, which is currently limited to small vehicles.

Eman highlighted the positive impact of the pilot school, saying he was moved by the progress of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who showed significant improvements in both appearance and academic ability, including foreign language skills such as English and Arabic.

“This program is truly extraordinary. We hope the People’s School continues to grow and provide real benefits to the community,” he said.

With cooperation between national and local administrations, the People’s School program aims to end poverty and expand access to quality education for all, including Majalengka residents. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)