Indonesia's Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf lifts confidence of poor students in Lombok Barat

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, attended an open‑house event for the government‑run Sekolah Rakyat in Sentra Paramita, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara on 10 July 2026. The programme, launched in July 2025, targets children from families in the lowest two socioeconomic deciles, identified through the National Single Social Economic Data (DTSEN), and does not require applications; the state reaches out directly.

After a year of study, participants are reported to show marked improvements in confidence and ambition. One student, 14‑year‑old Novatul Alratia, went from being shy to winning a national pencak‑silat title and now aspires to become a policewoman. Another, Haikal Abdul Majid, also 14, expressed gratitude for free meals and supportive teachers, while his caretaker noted his newfound discipline and willingness to lead prayers. The minister highlighted these changes as evidence that the school helps children who previously “buried their dreams” to become optimistic and goal‑oriented.