The Indonesia's Public Works Ministry has proposed a IDR12.5 trillion (US$768.9 million) budget increase for 2025 to launch the “sekolah rakyat” program, a presidential initiative aimed at providing free education and dormitory facilities to thousands of underprivileged children across Indonesia. Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized that the program will repurpose existing government buildings into national-standard schools equipped with full educational and residential infrastructure. This follows multiple budget revisions tied to austerity policies earlier in the year. In its initial phase, 63 buildings in 22 provinces have been renovated, forming the first wave of 200 boarding schools designed to serve 20,000 students. The second phase will construct permanent facilities with land contributions from local governments, ultimately accommodating up to 1,000 students per school from elementary to high school levels. The additional funding will also support irrigation projects aligned with the government’s food self-sufficiency strategy.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/public-works-ministry-seeks-769m-budget-hike-for-boarding-school-project-backed-by-president-prabowo  (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 9 July 2025