Bogor — Behind the gates of Sekolah Rakyat in Bogor Regency lies the quiet resilience of a mother who refuses to give in to fate. Rama (38), a widow raising two children on her own, places her greatest hope in her youngest son, Ridwan—a student at this government-run, tuition-free boarding school.
“Even if I’m uneducated, I pray that my son can succeed like others,” Rama said, her voice trembling, during an interview at Sekolah Rakyat Sentra Terpadu Inten Suweno, Karadenan, Cibinong, West Java, on Monday (July 14).
Her words reflect years of hardship and a long battle against poverty. Rama once took on menial jobs without pay just to get by. When Sekolah Rakyat offered free education, it felt like a door had finally opened.
“I just couldn’t afford anything. I was unemployed at the time,” she recalled. “But this school doesn’t charge a thing. Alhamdulillah, someone came to the house and told me about it.”
Ridwan had previously dropped out of school. He was often bullied for not being able to read. But with support from a social worker—and his mother’s steady encouragement—he found the courage to return to the classroom.
“He was bullied a lot because he couldn’t read,” said Rama. “I didn’t force him. He made the decision on his own.”
What touched Rama the most was the care and discipline shown by the teachers and staff at Sekolah Rakyat. For a mother who had nearly given up, this attention meant everything.
“I could see it with my own eyes. My son is truly being looked after,” she said, her face softening. “What I love is the discipline, the cleanliness—everything is well taken care of.”
As a single parent without stable income or a partner to lean on, Rama sees education as the only legacy she can give.
“I want my son to be smart. Not like me, who didn’t have that chance,” she said quietly.
To Rama, Sekolah Rakyat is more than just a school—it’s a symbol of hope for families long left behind. She prays that her son will continue his education, succeed, and one day make his family proud.
“My son is my only boy. I just want him to have a better future, to be successful like others. One day, when I’m no longer around—we never know how long we’ll live—I want to know he’ll be okay.”
Rama concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and all those who helped make Sekolah Rakyat possible.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for helping people like us—who truly need it. Thank you so much. May God grant you health, a long life, and abundant blessings. Amen, ya Allah, ya Rabbal Alamin…”
