inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Social Affairs are strengthening synergy between universities and People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) in an effort to expand access to education for communities across Indonesia.
"In my opinion, each People's School could be managed by a single campus. The campus would play a direct role in training, mentoring, and so on. We could also provide various facilities, such as learning spaces," said Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Tuesday (11/4/2025).
Yuliarto stated that his ministry would partner with several State Universities (PTN) as mentors and instructors for People's Schools, in order to ensure the success of this priority program of President Prabowo Subianto.
He emphasized the importance of universities' role in expanding access and supporting students to stay connected to higher education, and also opened up the possibility of providing Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) scholarships for People's School graduates.
"We will also form a team to prepare what is needed for collaboration, such as encouraging universities to start compiling references," said Brian.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, explained that the People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) currently covers 166 locations across Indonesia, comprising elementary schools (SD), junior high schools (SMP), and senior high schools (SMA).
"Of that number, around 6,700 high school students are currently enrolled and are projected to graduate in 2028," said the Minister.
He stated that high school students attending the People's Schools are given the option to continue on to college or enter the workforce.
The curriculum they implement will be tailored to these options, including those provided by the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers/Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI).
However, if students choose to continue their education, they will receive a curriculum designed by teachers and lecturers.
In the near future, both ministries hope to draft and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
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