Indonesia to launch 100 state-funded boarding schools for low-income students
President Prabowo Subianto has announced a major new initiative to expand educational access for children from low-income families in Indonesia.
The government plans to establish at least 100 public schools equipped with dormitory facilities, targeting students from the country’s most economically vulnerable groups.
Speaking during a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on May 5, President Prabowo said the program will begin this year, with the initial phase expected to roll out in July.
“I received a report from the Minister of Social Affairs, who just returned from Central Java,” the president said, “because in the near future we will also open at least 100 boarding schools addressed to our brothers and sisters, our people who are in the lowest economic group, decile one and decile two."
The program, referred to as the “People’s School” initiative, aims to ensure greater equity in education by providing comprehensive support for underprivileged students. President Prabowo emphasised that the schools will cater to elementary, junior high, and high school levels, offering not only free education but also residential facilities to support students from remote or underserved areas.
He praised the swift coordination between ministries, particularly the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, for accelerating the groundwork needed to launch the program.
“Back and forth I say don't be forced, do it, but we don't have to chase the important dates we do, he noted." But they are sure they want to get the best results quickly, please. But in the end, I think this will be felt very by the people at the bottom."
The initiative has received strong backing from local governments, with more than 200 regents and mayors reportedly offering land for the school construction. According to the president, plots ranging from 5 to 8 hectares have been allocated across various regions.
The government is now finalising the design and budgeting for the schools, with completion expected in the next two to three weeks. Prabowo described the planned construction as “economical but good,” indicating a focus on cost-effective yet high-quality infrastructure.
Beyond improving educational access, the dormitory-based schools are intended to support long-term goals such as boosting social mobility and addressing deep-rooted regional disparities in education quality.
