Indonesian government oversight of Sekolah Rakyat

Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has issued directives to the heads of Sekolah Rakyat, a boarding school-based educational institution, to improve governance and student safety.

Initially, Yusuf outlined three primary responsibilities for school principals: supervision, compliance, and collaboration. He emphasized the necessity of 24-hour student monitoring to prevent bullying, sexual violence, and intolerance, suggesting the use of CCTV and dormitory supervisors. He also demanded strict financial management to prevent corruption and urged leaders to build relationships with local communities and regional governments.

Following these initial guidelines, Yusuf further instructed school heads to strengthen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specifically to combat the ‘three sins of education’: bullying, sexual violence, and intolerance. To ensure accountability, he recommended the implementation of employment contracts and integrity pacts for all staff. Additionally, he suggested that students from vulnerable backgrounds requiring rehabilitation be temporarily placed in nearby centers to support their continued studies.