Jakarta — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was visibly moved as he listened to a recorded message from a student of Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) Junior High School 19 Efata in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The recording was played during a briefing for teachers and principals of Sekolah Rakyat at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Friday (Aug. 22).

Sofia Rorista Angel, a student at SMP Sekolah Rakyat 19 Efata, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo. She said the presence of Sekolah Rakyat had transformed her life—once full of limitations—into one filled with hope and opportunity.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for caring about us children on the margins in the East. I know you are busy running the country, yet you still took the time to make sure we could go to school. For me, you are like a parent who lifted me from a place of darkness and placed me into the light,” Sofia said in the recording.

She went on to emphasize that when she one day achieves her dreams, the first person she will remember is President Prabowo, who gave her the invaluable opportunity to pursue education through Sekolah Rakyat.

“One day, when I become successful, it will all be because of your helping hand, for giving me the chance to study at Sekolah Rakyat. My prayer is that God will always protect you. From Kupang, the City of Stone, I send you a warm embrace, Mr. President,” she continued.

Overcome with emotion, President Prabowo was seen wiping away tears as he listened to her words.

Sekolah Rakyat is one of the administration’s priority programs, launched on July 14, 2025. It was designed to provide inclusive, quality education for children from low-income and extremely poor families across Indonesia.