Indonesia expands Sekolah Rakyat boarding school program

The Indonesian government is expanding its 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) program, a boarding school initiative designed to provide education and basic necessities to children from impoverished families. In the second phase of development throughout 2026, the Ministry of Public Works is overseeing the construction of 93 school units across various regions to improve access for children from poor and extremely poor households.

In West Sulawesi, two major facilities are being developed by PT Hutama Karya. The Mamuju site is the largest, with a capacity for 1,260 students, featuring classrooms for elementary, middle, and high school levels, dormitories, teacher housing, and sports facilities. A second site in Polewali Mandar will accommodate 420 students. The program aims to alleviate poverty by ensuring students can focus on academic and character development without the burden of economic constraints.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasized that the program prioritizes economic status over academic achievement for admission, ensuring that children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those of scavengers or pedicab drivers, receive support. The integrated boarding system provides not only formal education but also housing, food, and mentorship to foster discipline and responsibility.