Indonesia’s People’s School Targets Families in Lowest Socioeconomic Bracket

RRI.CO.ID, Bandar Lampung - The Ministry of Social Affairs has confirmed that it is not opening public registration for the People’s School program. Recruitment is instead carried out through direct outreach based on the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN), targeting families in the lowest economic bracket.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the measure is intended to ensure that the free education program reaches children from extremely poor households. “We are not opening registration for People’s School. We are conducting outreach based on DTSEN for the lowest families,” he said during a working visit to Bandar Lampung on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

He explained that the government is conducting proactive outreach in various locations to identify school-age children who have not yet received an education, including those working or living on the streets.

“For example, if we see children on the streets who are of school age, we provide them with assistance and reach out to their families so they can enroll in the People’s School,” he said.

Before children begin the learning process, the ministry discusses data accuracy with parents to ensure conditions match records. If parents agree, the government provides information about the program.

The initiative focuses not only on children’s education but also on family empowerment. Parents are supported through social and economic programs, including social assistance, health insurance, and involvement in the Merah Putih Village Cooperative. “The People’s School is directly related to poverty alleviation. Parents will also be empowered through various strategic programs,” Saifullah said.

The government hopes that once children graduate from the People’s School, their families can break free from poverty and become more independent within a certain period. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)