Bogor — July 14, 2025 For Rama (38), a single mother from Bogor Regency, West Java, the government’s Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) is more than just a tuition-free boarding school. It is a safe haven where her son, Ridwan, is finally treated with dignity, kindness, and genuine care.

“I feel so relieved. I saw it with my own eyes—how my child is being truly looked after. That’s what makes me happy. The discipline, the cleanliness,” said Rama with teary eyes during an interview at Sekolah Rakyat, located in Sentra Terpadu Inten Suweno, Cibinong, Bogor, on Monday (July 14).

Rama has been raising her two children on her own. Her first husband passed away, and Ridwan’s father has since remarried. With barely enough to make ends meet, she once gave up hope of sending Ridwan to school after he completed elementary education.

“I was unemployed at the time. I used to help out at a small shop for no pay. Then I just stayed home and took on whatever odd cleaning jobs I could get,” she recalled.

At her lowest point, Rama received unexpected news: Ridwan had been selected for Sekolah Rakyat, a fully funded residential education program. At first, she was hesitant, but after speaking with a social worker, she decided to enroll her son.

“They said the school wouldn’t cost anything at all. Thank God someone came to the house… Ridwan was open to it after some encouragement. I didn’t waste time—three months after he finished elementary school, I enrolled him right away.”

What moved Rama the most was witnessing, first-hand, how the school treated her child—with order, care, and attention. For a mother who had nearly given up due to poverty and exhaustion, this was more than she had hoped for.

“Honestly, I couldn’t afford anything… But once I saw the school myself, I believed. I’m so happy. I’m deeply thankful that someone stepped in to help us.”

Rama also revealed that Ridwan had refused to attend school before because of bullying. “He was bullied all the time—because he couldn’t read yet,” she said quietly.

Now, with Ridwan safely enrolled, Rama dares to dream again. She hopes her son will grow into a smart, successful young man.

“I want him to succeed like the others. Even though I have nothing, even though I’m not educated myself, I hope my child can become someone. That’s my biggest wish.”

She closed her story with heartfelt thanks to President Prabowo Subianto and everyone behind the program.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for helping people like us… Thank you so much. I pray you stay healthy, live long, and receive abundant blessings. Amen.”

At Sekolah Rakyat, Ridwan has not only returned to the classroom—he has regained his self-worth. And his mother has rediscovered a hope she thought was gone. This is what it looks like when the state reaches out and touches the lives of its most vulnerable citizens with real, tangible change.