JatimVoice.com – The Sekolah Rakyat (SR), a free boarding school initiative for underprivileged children launched by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, has seen low enrollment in Batu City, East Java. With registration closing on April 30, 2025, only 19 students signed up for the 75 available spots at the junior high school level, leaving 56 seats vacant ahead of the program’s July launch.
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| Source: suarajatimpost |
Batu Mayor Nurochman acknowledged on Friday (2/5/2025) that many parents remain unfamiliar with the program’s structure, leading to hesitation.
"Since this is the first batch, the public is still trying to grasp the concept of Sekolah Rakyat. Many may not yet feel confident about it," he said.
The Batu Social Agency invited 200 eligible candidates in two phases, but only seven students immediately registered, while others opted to reconsider. Nurochman noted that parents are unaccustomed to sending 11–12-year-old children to boarding schools, despite the program’s aim to support low-income families.
"There’s still reluctance to let children live away from home, even though this is an educational opportunity," he added.
Authorities are currently verifying submitted applications, with the process set to conclude by May 6, 2025. Additional students may join through orphanages or the Ministry of Social Affairs, pending central government data processing.
The school will operate at Bhima Sakti Batu, a child welfare facility approved by the East Java Provincial Government.
"We’re optimistic enrollment will rise, but public trust takes time. We’ll intensify outreach efforts," Nurochman concluded.