Indonesia's Prabowo says education key to improving welfare

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the government views education as a key instrument for ensuring a decent life and improving the welfare of all Indonesians.

"Our development efforts as a nation are intended to ensure that all Indonesian people live a good, decent life. Realizing decent living for all requires tremendous work. We all must work hard across sectors, including education," he said.

Prabowo made the remarks during a visit to Sekolah Rakyat Junior High School (SRMP) 17 in Tabanan, Bali, on Sunday.

He said the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) program was introduced as a tangible expression of the state's commitment to fulfilling people's rights.

The government has focused the program on helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in various regions across the country.

During the visit, attendees listened to testimony from Bagus, a Sekolah Rakyat student who shared positive experiences and changes since joining the program.

A parent of a prospective student also expressed gratitude, saying the program had given their child another opportunity to continue their education.

The event also featured inclusive art performances, poetry readings, and an English-language speech delivered by a student named Ketut Arlan.

Meanwhile, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf reported that construction of a permanent Sekolah Rakyat building was underway in Karangasem District, Bali.

The new facility is designed to accommodate 270 students, with 90 seats allocated for each education level.

Saifullah said public interest in the program had been high, with 406 prospective students registered across Bali.

"For this phase, 93 students are currently being processed, including those in Karangasem District. Once construction is completed, students studying here will be transferred to the permanent building," he said.

He added that applications for junior and senior high school levels had already exceeded the available quota.

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Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

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