Jakarta — President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has announced a major initiative: starting July 2025, the government will open 35 high-quality boarding schools for children from underprivileged families. This marks the initial phase of a larger program to establish 100 such schools aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Indonesia.

Speaking at a Halalbihalal gathering with retired Army officers in Jakarta on Tuesday (May 6), President Prabowo shared his vision of providing equal educational opportunities to children from the nation’s most vulnerable communities. He emphasized that the program is not only for the brightest students, but for those who need it most.

“Boarding schools are usually reserved for the smartest students. I will build boarding schools for children from the poorest families,” Prabowo declared. “Because I am determined to break the chain of poverty. If the father is a scavenger, the child must not become a scavenger. If the father is a pedicab driver, the child must not follow the same path.”

The President introduced the story of Naila, a prospective student of the program, whose life reflects the struggle of millions of Indonesian children. Living in a modest home with her parents earning less than Rp1 million per month, Naila’s cheerful smile amid hardship moved Prabowo deeply.

“The rest of my life will be devoted to changing the fate of children like Naila,” said the President. “If anyone asks, ‘Is it possible?’ — yes, we will prove it. With full determination. Only with courage, resolve, and conviction.”

Student selection will be conducted rigorously and fairly, with assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PAN-RB), and Statistics Indonesia (BPS) to ensure only children from truly low-income households are admitted. Verification will be based on actual living conditions and population data, not just paperwork.

“I want their homes checked, not just what’s written on paper. This must truly be for those in need,” Prabowo stressed.

The President highlighted that this program is not just about education — it’s a systematic effort to build the nation’s future from the ground up. Every Indonesian child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to rise.

“Those who dare to win, who dare to be right, will succeed. Courage comes first, then comes truth, and with both comes success. Without courage, we achieve nothing,” he asserted.

During his speech, Prabowo also touched on issues of inequality, the untapped wealth of the nation, and the need for clean governance to ensure such transformative programs can be implemented successfully.

He concluded his remarks with a rousing message to military veterans and the Indonesian people:

“As long as we still draw breath, as long as there is a cause, the Red and White will never stop fighting,” Prabowo declared.