Bogor– For Adi Sumirat (46), a traveling donut vendor in his village, Sekolah Rakyat—an initiative launched by President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto—is more than just a free education program. To his family, it’s a tangible blessing.
With an uncertain daily income averaging between Rp60,000 to Rp70,000 (roughly $4–5 USD), Adi admitted that sending his children to school without assistance was a significant burden.
“Sometimes I make around 60, sometimes 70 thousand rupiah in profit. That’s on a good day,” Adi said during an interview at Sekolah Rakyat Sentra Terpadu Inten Suweno, Karadenan, Cibinong, West Java, Monday (July 14).
When he first heard of the program, Adi didn’t quite understand what Sekolah Rakyat was. Everything changed when a government representative came to his home to explain it.
“Someone from the Ministry of Social Affairs came to our house and explained what Sekolah Rakyat was all about. They told us that my daughter was selected as a candidate for enrollment. I just said, ‘It’s up to her—if she’s willing, then go for it,’” he recalled.
Adi felt more confident when he learned that all of his daughter’s needs would be covered—shoes, uniforms, schoolbooks, even meals.
“The social worker sent me a WhatsApp message asking for her shoe size, uniform measurements, everything. They said books were provided. Meals too. All she had to do was focus on learning. I was so moved,” he said.
His oldest child had previously dropped out and was only able to continue schooling through an alternative education package. Now, he’s deeply grateful that his younger daughter, Asya, has the chance to receive a proper, formal education like other children.
“I really feel lucky,” he said. “I just hope she feels at home here.”
Adi noted that his wife was also very supportive, especially after seeing the school’s well-maintained facilities and positive learning environment.
“She saw it for herself—everything is complete. Most important is our daughter’s determination. She wants to learn, she wants to grow. That’s what matters most,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Sekolah Rakyat will expand to cover more educational levels.
“I hope the program grows. Right now, it’s at the junior high level. But they say there’s a high school in development. I hope it keeps growing,” he said.
Adi concluded with a heartfelt message of thanks to President Prabowo for a policy that directly supports working-class families like his.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for establishing Sekolah Rakyat. It’s an enormous help for families like ours with low incomes. Even just being able to feed our children—it’s a blessing. I pray this program continues to succeed. Thank you, sir.”
