TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will start operating the free schools, or People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), in July this year. The initial stage will be limited to high schools, managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, but President Prabowo intends to expand the school operation to junior high (SMP) and primary school (SD).

Led by Mohammad Nuh, the People’s School formation team will begin recruiting students and teachers this month. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the school will require over 1,000 teachers across 53 locations.

People’s School Ready to Synergize with MBG Program

Gus Ipul—Minister Saifullah’s nickname—said the People’s School is ready to synergize with the government’s free nutritious meal program to ensure students’ nutrition is fulfilled.

"When the People’s Schools operate, the free nutritious meal program will be implemented for lunch, as had been coordinated,” he said on Tuesday, April 8. “Yes, only for lunch. We will prepare the breakfast and dinner separately.”

Gus Ipul said the ministry has spoken to relevant ministries and institutions to ensure that the synergy with the free nutritious meal program can be implemented in all People's Schools.

Previously, the Minister of Social Affairs and the head of the National Nutrition Board (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, confirmed that students of the People's School will receive free lunch, just like in other schools. "Yes, they will get a free meal, just for lunch, because the breakfast and dinner are provided by us," said the General Secretary of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU) when contacted by Tempo by phone on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The distribution of free nutritious meals to People's Schools is currently still in the planning stage, considering the construction process of the schools is still ongoing. At present, 53 locations in various regions of Indonesia are ready to be turned into People's Schools.

Dadan Hindayana confirmed that free nutritious meals will be given to students of the People's School. "Yes, that's right. Preparations will be in line with the activities of the People's School," said Dadan in a brief message last month.

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