From Letters To Presidents To Happy Stories Of Students: Portrait Of Minister Of Public Works Visits At 1 Cirebon Integrated People's School

Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo while at the Cirebon 1 Integrated People's School, Wednesday, August 20, 2025. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Public Works)

CIREBON - The atmosphere of the children's laughter was boisterous to welcome the arrival of the Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo at the Cirebon 1 Integrated People's School, Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

From the front of the dormitory, elementary school students ran towards Minister Dody, some waving, others holding hands immediately, such as welcoming parents who returned home.

Beside Minister Dody, Mrs. Irma Dody Hanggodo was late in the atmosphere. In the men's dormitory at the elementary level, Mrs. Irma sat on the bed with elementary school children. Not just giving greetings, but chatting, playing, even listening to innocent stories that just flow from the mouths of children. "Learn diligently, yes," said Mrs. Irma Dody Hanggodo.

During the 1.5 hours of visit, Minister Dody toured one by one school facilities. Starting from toilets, hand washing faucets, to classrooms that are now neat after renovation by the Ministry of Public Works.

In one of the junior high school levels, the atmosphere suddenly quieted when Alvindra, one of the students, dared to ask permission to read a letter to President Prabowo Subianto.

He held a piece of letter paper which was then entrusted directly to Minister Dody.

"The government is obliged to improve the quality of education. Don't forget to thank your parents who have cared and registered with the People's School," said Minister Dody.

A happy story came from Muhammad Athoillah, a junior high school student who can now continue school without a cost burden. Because, he felt that attending an integrated People's School 1 Cirebon, he could ease the economic burden on his family.

"My father sells fruit, if there is no People's School, it will be difficult for him. Here I don't have to think about school fees. I feel very happy," he said gratefully.

Integrated People's School 1 Cirebon stands in the Cirebon City 18 State Junior High School complex. The area and building that is suitable for use make this location chosen.

Although side by side, the activities of students of SMP Negeri 18 are not disrupted.

Currently there are 75 students: Elementary School (26 students), Junior High School (42 students), and 7 rehabilitation and counseling students.

Renovasi fisik dilakukan oleh Satuan Kerja Pelaksanaan Prasarana Strategis Wilayah Jawa Barat dengan kontraktor Pelaksana PT Nindya–Adhi KSO sejak 10 Mei hingga 18 Juli 2025. Bangunan yang disiapkan mencakup masjid 32 m², ruang multimedia 12 m², ruang kelas 16 m², ruang kelas & aula 48 m², pendopo 24 m², dan rumah dinas 48 m².

Dukungan Kementerian PU terhadap program Sekolah Rakyat merupakan implementasi langsung dari visi Presiden Prabowo Subianto dalam Asta Cita, yang menempatkan sektor pendidikan sebagai salah satu pilar utama untuk mencapai Indonesia Maju.

Physical renovations were carried out by the West Java Region Strategic Infrastructure Implementation Work Unit with implementing contractor PT Nindya'adhi KSO from May 10 to July 18, 2025. The buildings prepared include 32 m2 mosques, 12 m2 multimedia rooms, 16 m2 classrooms, 48 m2 classrooms & hall, 24 m2 pavilions, and 48 m2 official residences.

The PU Ministry's support for the People's School program is a direct implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's vision in Asta Cita, which places the education sector as one of the main pillars to achieve Advanced Indonesia.