Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan – The Sekolah Rakyat program has delivered tangible improvements in students’ health, behavior, and academic performance within six months of its implementation.
This statement was made during the inauguration of Sekolah Rakyat in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Monday, which was attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
Students’ health conditions have improved markedly, as reflected in gains in body weight and height, better physical fitness, and a decline in anemia rates.
“In fact, many school uniforms no longer fit after just three months,” it was said.
These physical improvements have directly contributed to the learning process, with students becoming more focused, less drowsy during lessons, and showing greater discipline and independence in their daily routines.
The sense of care and security provided through Sekolah Rakyat plays a key role in shaping students’ mental well-being and positive behavior, with some students even demonstrating notable achievements.
Beyond health and behavior, the program has also produced significant progress in basic academic skills, particularly reading and writing.
The case of Muhammad Nazril Kurniawan, a Grade 10 student at Sekolah Rakyat Senior High School 13 in Bekasi City, West Java, was cited. He previously struggled with reading despite being at the secondary level.
Through perseverance and intensive guidance from teachers, Kurniawan is now able to read more fluently, has shown academic progress, and has become more optimistic about his future.
Sekolah Rakyat is a government priority program that provides free, quality education for children from poor families in the lowest welfare groups listed in the National Integrated Socio-Economic Data.
As of 2025, a total of 166 pilot Sekolah Rakyat schools have been established nationwide, with capacity for nearly 16,000 students, supported by around 2,400 teachers and more than 4,000 education personnel.
South Kalimantan Center for Social Welfare Education and Training
The South Kalimantan Center for Social Welfare Education and Training is a government-run institution in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, focused on developing human resources in the field of social welfare. It provides training, education, and capacity-building programs for social workers and community volunteers to improve social services in the region. The center plays a key role in supporting South Kalimantan’s social development initiatives, though specific historical founding details are not widely documented.
Banjarbaru
Banjarbaru is the capital city of South Kalimantan, Indonesia, located near the larger city of Banjarmasin. It was established in the 20th century as a planned administrative center, officially becoming the provincial capital in 2022 to relieve congestion in Banjarmasin. The city is known for its diamond mining industry and serves as a gateway to the region’s natural attractions, such as the Meratus Mountains.
South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan is a province on the Indonesian island of Borneo, known for its unique floating markets and vibrant Dayak and Banjar cultures. Its history includes the rise of the Banjar Sultanate in the 16th century, which controlled much of the region’s trade and resisted Dutch colonization until the 19th century. Today, the area is celebrated for its waterways, traditional river villages, and natural resources like coal and diamonds.
Bekasi City
Bekasi City is a major satellite city east of Jakarta, Indonesia, with a history dating back to the 5th century as part of the Tarumanagara Kingdom. It served as an important administrative and trade hub during the Dutch colonial era and has since grown into a densely populated industrial and residential center. Today, Bekasi is known for its rapid urbanization, numerous factories, and its role as a key commuter city for workers in the Jakarta metropolitan area.
West Java
West Java is a province on the Indonesian island of Java, known for its rich Sundanese culture and stunning volcanic landscapes, including the famous Mount Tangkuban Perahu. Historically, it was a center of the ancient Sunda Kingdom before being colonized by the Dutch, who established the city of Bandung as a key administrative and plantation hub. Today, West Java is celebrated for its traditional arts, such as angklung music, and its vibrant culinary scene.
Sekolah Rakyat Senior High School 13
Sekolah Rakyat Senior High School 13 is a public senior high school in Indonesia, originally part of the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s School) system established during the early years of Indonesian independence to provide accessible education for all children. It has since evolved into a modern state high school, continuing its mission of offering affordable, quality secondary education to the local community. The school reflects Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities since the post-colonial era.
