Heru Andriyanto, Theressia Sunday Silalahi, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan – President Prabowo Subianto on Monday inaugurated the operation of 166 People's Schools – state-run free boarding schools for children from low-income families – across 34 provinces.

The launch ceremony was held in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, and attended by cabinet members and regional leaders. Prabowo praised the Social Affairs Ministry for its efforts in developing free education facilities nationwide.

"We are inaugurating 166 People's Schools, with a target of reaching 500 schools by 2029. I apologize that we have not been able to give greater recognition to the social affairs minister and the entire team," the president said. The government has targeted 30,000 eligible students to attend the People's Schools by the end of 2026, double the current number.

During his visit, Prabowo toured classrooms and supporting facilities at a People's School in Banjarbaru that has been operating for about six months.

The president also met students, some of whom greeted him in English and Mandarin.

"I was impressed that students here were able to give speeches in good English. My own English is decent because I once lived abroad," Prabowo said.

He expressed admiration for the achievements of students at the People's School, despite the institution having been operational for only six months.

In addition to inaugurating schools already in operation, Prabowo also carried out a symbolic groundbreaking for 104 additional People's Schools across Indonesia.

What are 'people's schools'?

People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) are a government-run education initiative launched under President Prabowo Subianto aimed at expanding access to education for children from low-income and vulnerable households.

The schools provide free tuition, accommodation, and basic living needs, operating as boarding schools to ensure students from remote or disadvantaged areas can attend consistently. The program is overseen by the Social Affairs Ministry, marking a departure from Indonesia's traditional education model, which is largely administered by the Education Ministry and local governments.

Policy rationale

The People's Schools initiative is designed to address intergenerational poverty, school dropouts, and unequal access to quality education – particularly in rural regions and among families receiving social assistance. By combining education with boarding facilities, the government aims to reduce barriers such as transportation costs, household financial pressure, and unstable home environments.

How the program differs from existing schools

Unlike public elementary and secondary schools, which may still require families to cover uniforms, transport, or supplementary fees, People's Schools are intended to be fully state-funded. Students are selected based on socio-economic criteria, often linked to national social protection databases. The schools also place emphasis on discipline, character-building, and language skills, reflecting the administration's broader human capital agenda.

Scale and targets

As of early 2026, 166 People's Schools are operational across 34 provinces. The government has set a target of 500 schools by 2029, signaling a long-term commitment to the program as a pillar of its social and education policy.

The initiative aligns with President Prabowo's policy platform, which prioritizes food security, social protection, and human resource development as foundations for long-term economic resilience. While supporters view the program as a bold intervention to close inequality gaps, critics have raised questions about governance, sustainability, and coordination with existing education institutions.

For now, the government frames People's Schools as a complement, rather than a replacement, to Indonesia's national education system – focused specifically on children most at risk of being left behind.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-opens-166-free-boarding-schools-for-underprivileged-childre