Social Minister Says People's Schools For The Poor Can Take Advantage Of The Ministry Of Social Affairs' Centers

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf when met by the media after a meeting with Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai in Jakarta, Tuesday (21/1/2025) ANTARA/Prisca Triferna

JAKARTA - Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul conveyed that the implementation of public schools for the poor could use the centers owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos).

"For the place, the Ministry of Social Affairs happens to have several places that can be used as places to start this school. In some places, the halls are good, all the buildings are ready," said the Minister of Social Affairs when met by the media after a meeting with the Minister of Human Rights (HAM) Natalius Pigai in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 21, was confiscated by Antara.

Regarding its implementation, the Minister of Social Affairs said that he had listened to input from many parties, including from the Minister of National Education for the 2009-2014 period, Mohammad Nuh.

His party has also reviewed several schools, including in Sukohargjo, which provide opportunities for children from extreme poor families to receive education.

He said he would report input and reviews regarding the implementation of the people's school to President Prabowo Subianto in accordance with the President's expectations.

His party also ensures that they will cooperate with ministries/agencies, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), regarding the plan.

"We want to break the chain of poverty through education and wider opportunities for them, where later the first criteria are to enter, besides others are from poor families," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Regarding the number that can be educated when the implementation of public schools is carried out, the Minister of Social Affairs said it would be carried out based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) regarding extreme poor families. According to BPS data in March 2024, extreme poor people reached 0.83 percent of the total population of 281 million people.

"Frankly, I am still at the stage to explore the concept first. There are no details yet. If for example the concept has been approved by the President, then there will be further follow-up," said the Minister of Social Affairs.