Indonesia Expands Access to 5.5 Million Quality Books and Boosts Data‑Driven Schools to Fight Poverty

The Indonesian government is scaling up two major education initiatives. The Ministry of Education, led by Minister Abdul Mu’ti, announced the distribution of 5.5 million quality reading books to elementary and middle schools, with private partners PT Pura Barutama and PT Mars Akbar Mandiri supporting the effort. The program is part of the national literacy drive under President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita fourth pillar, aiming to improve reading and numeracy skills and to provide digital resources such as free e‑books, audio and video materials.

In parallel, the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s School) program is being promoted as a data‑driven tool to break inter‑generational poverty. Deputy Minister Fajar Riza Ul Haq explained that the scheme uses the National Social‑Economic Data System (DTSEN) to target children from the poorest households, offering free boarding education with a flexible multi‑entry, multi‑exit system. The program now operates in 166 locations, serving roughly 15 000 students, and receives research support from BRIN. Both initiatives emphasize cross‑sector collaboration and long‑term investment in human capital.