Thanks to the People’s School, This Single Mother’s Child Now Dreams Higher

August 16, 2025

Jakarta — Growing up without a father has not stopped Andra Farizki Ramdhani from moving forward. Raised by his mother, the sole breadwinner of the family, the 10th-grade student of People’s High School (SRMA 10) in South Jakarta has found new hope through the People’s School initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto.

Despite financial struggles, Andra said the People’s School has opened the door to a proper education.

“Thank you, President Prabowo, for creating the People’s School. This is really for people who can’t afford education. It makes kids excited to learn, not lazy, and it helps them become smarter too. This also helps Indonesia move forward,” he said with emotion when met at his school on Tuesday (Aug. 12).

The People’s School where Andra studies is a boarding school. For him, adjusting to dorm life has been both challenging and rewarding. “Of course, it feels strange being far from my family—I still miss them. But the good thing is, it’s lively here with my friends, and there are always funny stories,” he said.

His days are tightly scheduled: waking up early, morning prayers, exercise, and flag ceremony before classes. In the evenings, he usually calls his mother just to check in. “Before, my mom used to wake me up. Now it’s my friends. Before, I ate my mom’s cooking. Now I eat with everyone else in the dining hall,” he said quietly.

Although the routine sometimes feels monotonous, Andra draws strength from friendship. He often jokes around with Fatir and Reza, two of his closest roommates. From fighting over the bathroom to laughing about misplaced items, small moments become part of their shared bond. “It’s fun talking with them. It feels like family,” he said.

Complete Facilities, Better Learning Environment

According to Andra, the facilities at SRMA 10 exceeded his expectations—from comfortable beds and study rooms to an environment that helps him stay focused. “At regular schools, it’s easier to get sleepy. Here, it’s not. The teachers explain things in detail, so it’s easier to understand,” he explained.

He is also active in extracurricular activities, joining the student flag-raising team, the youth Red Cross, and continuing his passion for judo. Informatics, however, has become his favorite subject.

Even without a father, Andra’s ambition remains strong. He dreams of becoming a judo athlete while pursuing higher education at the Defense University (Unhan). “I want to go to Unhan. My mom asked me to, and I’ll follow her choice because she always knows what’s best,” he said.

For Andra, his dream is not only about personal ambition but also about honoring his mother. “She has always supported me. Other people sometimes underestimate me, think I can’t achieve anything. But my mom always prays for me. I just want to say I’ll always love her—then give her a hug,” he said, his eyes brimming with tears.

Andra is grateful that he can study without financial burden. He believes the People’s School offers a great opportunity for underprivileged children who are determined to learn.

“At other schools, you have to go through SNBP (national selection), but here, you just apply. At state schools, there are still extra costs, like uniforms. Here, there aren’t any,” he explained.

For Andra, the People’s School is a gateway to hope. From the classroom to the sports field and the dormitory, every experience shapes not only his knowledge but also his independence. With strong determination and his mother’s prayers, he believes his dreams are now within reach.