October 14, 2025 | 03:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized the government’s commitment to developing People’s Schools and Garuda Schools as part of a long-term effort to shape the future of Indonesia’s children and break the cycle of poverty.
According to Agus Jabo, the two educational initiatives are designed not only to ensure equal access to quality education but also to create opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“About 64.46 percent of children from poor families are likely to remain in poverty in the future,” Jabo said during a discussion with Great Indonesia Alliance (AIR) volunteers supporting President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta, Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
He cited data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showing that Indonesia’s school dropout rate increased in the 2023–2024 academic year compared to the previous period.
The National Socio-Economic Survey 2024 also revealed that while 86.34 percent of Indonesian children completed education up to high school level, 32.21 percent dropped out before finishing.
“This is what the President has asked us to address — breaking the poverty cycle from an early age,” Jabo said.
He noted a strong link between educational attainment and poverty, with 76 percent of families surveyed by BPS admitting that their children left school for economic reasons.
“That’s why the President instructed us to build People’s Schools and Garuda Schools, to educate children while empowering them to escape poverty,” he added.
Agus Jabo, who also serves as Chair of the Prima Party, explained that the People’s School concept goes beyond formal education. It includes character development and practical life skills training to prepare students for real-world challenges.
The schools also adopt a boarding system, allowing children from beneficiary families to learn and grow in a structured and supportive environment.
As of now, there are 165 People’s Schools across Indonesia — 35 in Sumatra, 69 in Java, 7 in Bali and Nusa Tenggara, 13 in Kalimantan, 28 in Sulawesi, 7 in Maluku, and 6 in Papua.
“These schools are pioneering projects that make use of existing buildings, developed with careful planning and strong educational standards,” Jabo said.
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