Indonesia deploys defense cadets to Sekolah Rakyat

Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has called on the heads of Sekolah Rakyat to maintain high integrity and avoid any deviant behavior. During a departmental meeting in Jakarta, he emphasized that school leaders must serve as moral compasses for students and encouraged them to consult the ministry directly if they encounter operational challenges.

To support character building and discipline within the program, the Ministry of Social Affairs is collaborating with the Ministry of Defense to deploy 1,289 cadets from the Defense University of Indonesia (Unhan RI) to Sekolah Rakyat. From October 12 to 24, 2026, these cadets, supported by 236 caregivers, will act as mentors and role models for students.

The program targets students from the lowest socio-economic deciles who were admitted without academic testing. The cadets will focus on fostering discipline, responsibility, leadership, and patriotism through child-friendly activities. The initiative strictly prohibits physical or sexual violence, bullying, and intolerance.