Groundbreaking for 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Papua Signals Commitment to Disadvantaged Children

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, on Saturday (1/8). This initiative signifies the Ministry of Home Affairs' commitment to supporting the implementation of the President's priority programs. Tito stated that President Prabowo Subianto has a strong concern for the welfare of the people, particularly the less fortunate, which is reflected in the policy to build 'Sekolah Rakyat.' This policy was born out of concern for neglected children. "One way is by providing them with schools so they no longer have to beg like their fathers, or scavenge like their fathers. They must move up, and that is the responsibility of the state," Tito said. The 'Sekolah Rakyat' program falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) and targets neglected children from underprivileged communities, specifically those in the first and second deciles of the welfare spectrum. These schools are designed with a dormitory concept, and all educational costs are covered by the state. In addition to providing supporting facilities and the best educators, the development of 'Sekolah Rakyat' is coordinated by Kemensos. The Ministry of Home Affairs is tasked with coordinating local governments (Pemda) to support the program's implementation, including through land provision. Tito acknowledged that not all regions have responded immediately to the program. In Papua Province, he noted, only a few regions have shown readiness from the outset. "And one of them is the proactive Bupati of Biak... If he hadn't prepared this, this wouldn't have happened. So, in Papua itself, only three welcomed it: Jayapura, Sarmi, and Biak," he added. Tito mentioned that President Prabowo had inaugurated 166 'Sekolah Rakyat' simultaneously from Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, in January 2026. Following this inauguration, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) has continued the construction of 'Sekolah Rakyat' in various regions using the same building prototype. On this occasion, Tito also urged the heads of regions across Tanah Papua to support the 'Sekolah Rakyat' program. According to him, the program is a strategic step in expanding access to education while opening opportunities for children from underprivileged families to have a better future. "I also feel proud because I can do the groundbreaking here... I am thankful and honored," he said.