People's Schools Don't Fail, But Need Adaptation And Evaluation

BANDUNG - Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Iwan Suryawan, responded to the latest dynamics that occurred in several People's Schools, including the resignation of students and teachers.

Iwan emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto has shown a strong commitment to equitable education in Indonesia through the People's School program.

According to Iwan, what President Prabowo did by reading letters from public school students was not just symbolic, but reflected real concern.

"Pak Prabowo's leadership shows that the central government does not remain silent about the inequality of education. He is present through a policy that directly touches the people," said Iwan, Wednesday, July 30.

He considered that the steps taken by the Ministry of Social Affairs under the direction of President Prabowo had provided concrete solutions for children from extreme poor families to stay in school with adequate facilities.

"There is boarding, there is free food, even adjusted curriculum. This is a breakthrough that we must appreciate," said the PKS politician.

However, Iwan also reminded that the implementation of a program of this size must face challenges.

"The president has shown extraordinary political will, now it is our duty in the regions to participate in supervising, overseeing, and evaluating its implementation," he added.

Iwan also emphasized that the West Java DPRD is ready to facilitate coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the education office, and other related partners to ensure the sustainability of the People's School.

"This program must be sustainable. But sustainability requires improvement and a quick response to problems," he said.

As is the case of the resignation of four students from the Upper Medium People's School (SRMA) 11 Poltekesos Bandung, Iwan admitted that he was concerned but understood.

According to him, homesick is a natural thing, especially during the transition period from house to dormitory.

"We cannot turn a blind eye that adaptation in the boarding system is not easy. But this is actually a signal that psychosocial assistance must be strengthened. We must not blame children who have resigned," he explained.

He also suggested that programs such as the School Environment Recognition Period (MPLS) be enriched with more intense psychological and social approaches.

"There are children who are smart but can't stand to stay away from their parents. So it's not just teachers, but psychologists are also important in this system," said Iwan.

Regarding the news that seven public school students in Cibinong were sick, Iwan considered this an indication that health factors should be a top priority in the boarding system.

"We can't take it lightly about health. It concerns children's physical and mental," he said.

He asked the Ministry of Social Affairs and school managers to be more proactive in anticipating health problems due to environmental adjustments.

"Evaluation from upstream to downstream, from eating, sleeping, to children's activities, everything must be considered," said Iwan.

Regarding the resignation of 140 People's School teachers, Iwan said that this was a serious alarm for the recruitment and distribution system for educators.

Many teachers resigned because the placement was far from home. This can be prevented if the placement system is more humane," he said.

According to him, West Java as an area with many People's Schools should be an example in creating supporting systems for teachers and students.

"Don't let a good program on paper collapse because the implementation in the field is not considered," he said.

Iwan also emphasized the importance of building two-way communication between the central and regional governments.

"We in the regional legislature don't want to just be spectators. We are ready to be actively involved if requested," he said.

He considered that the decline of students and teachers was not a form of program failure, but a constructive evaluation material.

"What's wrong is not the People's School. But the way we design and implement it must be more adaptive to reality," said Iwan.

Iwan invited all elements of society not to immediately justify the People's School as a failed program.

"Don't rush to judge. This is the beginning of the people's education revolution. But yes, don't be anti-critic. Evaluation is part of love," he concluded.