People's Schools: Solution or Burden?

Summary

In this episode of 'Hasnawi Haris Perspektif,' the discussion centers around the 'School of the People' initiative introduced by President Prabowo's government. Prof. Hasnawi Haris, a prominent academic and leader in education, offers insights into the policy's objectives, targeting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative aims to tackle the disparity in educational access and quality, providing a boarding school system for those in extreme poverty. While the policy's administration under the Ministry of Social Affairs has sparked debate, Prof. Hasnawi explains its alignment with the broader goals of poverty eradication and human development, highlighting the long-term commitment needed for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative, introduced by President Prabowo, aims to address the disparities in access and quality of education, particularly for economically disadvantaged children.
• 😀 The policy targets children from extremely poor families who may not have access to quality education due to economic or geographic factors.
• 😀 The concept of 'Sekolah Rakyat' differs from its historical version, focusing more on children from the poorest backgrounds and managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, not the Ministry of Education.
• 😀 Unlike the traditional 'Sekolah Rakyat', the current initiative involves a boarding school model, where students live on-site to receive education and support.
• 😀 The Ministry of Social Affairs' involvement in this policy is based on its responsibility for poverty alleviation and improving human resource quality, aligning with President Prabowo's vision.
• 😀 Boarding schools for 'Sekolah Rakyat' are considered suitable for managing and controlling the quality of education while also increasing educational access for disadvantaged students.
• 😀 The program includes ensuring adequate nutrition for students in boarding schools, providing them with healthy meals as part of the holistic approach to education.
• 😀 The initiative aims to support long-term educational outcomes by maintaining close supervision of students and providing consistent, high-quality education and personal development.
• 😀 The government is committed to ensuring that 'Sekolah Rakyat' remains sustainable, with proper infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers, and long-term planning for students' educational journeys.
• 😀 Children in 'Sekolah Rakyat' will receive a clear path to further education opportunities, including scholarships and the possibility of entering higher education through programs like KIPK (Indonesian Education Funding).

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Sekolah Rakyat' policy introduced by President Prabowo?

The main purpose of the 'Sekolah Rakyat' policy is to provide accessible education for children from economically disadvantaged or extreme poverty backgrounds, aiming to address disparities in both access and quality of education.

How does the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative differ from the historical 'Sekolah Rakyat' in Indonesia?

The historical 'Sekolah Rakyat' was primarily aimed at educating indigenous children during the colonial period, whereas the current initiative, introduced by President Prabowo, targets economically disadvantaged children and is managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, not the Ministry of Education.

Why is the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs instead of the Ministry of Education?

The initiative is under the Ministry of Social Affairs because it aligns with the government's broader goals of poverty alleviation and rural development, as outlined in the President's mission. The Ministry of Social Affairs already manages social programs like PKH (Family Hope Program) and KIPK (Smart Indonesia Card), which help identify and support low-income families.

What is the boarding school model proposed for the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative?

The 'Sekolah Rakyat' will implement a boarding school model, where students live on campus. This model is intended to ensure better control and supervision of their education, including a structured daily routine and a more focused academic environment, which is believed to improve educational outcomes.

Why is the boarding school model considered beneficial for students from low-income families?

The boarding school model is considered beneficial because it allows for more consistent supervision and access to resources like meals and educational support, helping students from low-income families overcome challenges related to their academic performance and overall development.

How does the 'Sekolah Rakyat' program aim to address the issue of malnutrition among students?

The program includes provisions for nutritious meals for students in the boarding schools, ensuring that they receive proper nutrition, which is crucial for their physical and cognitive development, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the role of teachers in the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative?

Teachers in the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative will be recruited from both civil servant (ASN) and non-civil servant (non-ASN) categories. Non-ASN teachers must have completed teacher professional education programs. The teachers will be trained and dedicated to educating children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring the program’s success.

What is the eligibility criterion for students to enter the 'Sekolah Rakyat' program?

Students must come from families classified as 'extremely poor' (desil 1) or 'poor' (desil 2) according to the national social economic data. These children are the primary target group for the program, with a focus on ensuring they have access to quality education and support.

What challenges might arise during the early stages of the 'Sekolah Rakyat' program's implementation?

Challenges may include initial communication issues, coordination between the various ministries involved, and ensuring that the recruitment process for teachers and students is smooth and efficient. There may also be challenges in providing sufficient resources and maintaining the program's sustainability in the long term.

How does the government plan to sustain and expand the 'Sekolah Rakyat' program?

The government plans to expand the program gradually, initially establishing 53 schools and targeting further growth. It will rely on the collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education, focusing on building infrastructure, training teachers, and continuously identifying students in need. Consistent funding and logistical support will be crucial for its success.