PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasized that People's Schools provide access to education for children from underprivileged families, including students whose academic achievements are not yet outstanding (8/10/2026).

The statement was delivered during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) at the Integrated Elementary School 1, Bekasi Regency, Sukamahi Village, Central Cikarang.

Bekasi Regency Regional Secretary Endin Samsudin attended the event with the Head of the Bekasi Regency Social Service, Alamsyah.

Saifullah explained that the People's School policy pays attention to children who face economic limitations and have not yet demonstrated outstanding academic achievements.

"They're not smart anymore, and secondly, they come from disadvantaged families. This is something President Prabowo is paying special attention to," said Saifullah.

According to him, economic limitations and academic achievements are not reasons to close off opportunities for children to develop their potential and achieve a better future.

"It's true, there are many children from underprivileged families, children of pedicab drivers, children of scavengers. But because they are smart, they get scholarships," he said.

Saifullah emphasized that children who have not yet demonstrated outstanding academic abilities also require an educational approach that suits their needs.

"There are some who are certainly not smart and not lucky. There are various things," he said.

To build students' character and independence, the Ministry of Social Affairs collaborates with the Defense University in a mentoring program at boarding schools.

More than 1,500 Defense University students will accompany students at 182 Elementary Schools across Indonesia for two weeks.

Assistance includes developing disciplined habits, such as waking up, making the bed, taking care of personal belongings, following activity schedules, and carrying out daily routines.

Previously, the Military Academy cadets also provided a week of mentoring to help shape student discipline.

Saifullah hopes that the People's School will be able to develop academic abilities while also shaping the character and independence of children from underprivileged families.

BRIN Head Arief Satria assessed that the People's School reaches groups of children who are often neglected in education policies due to their academic achievements and economic conditions.

Arief said that children from underprivileged families whose academic achievements are not yet outstanding are a group that needs to receive greater attention.

"Quadrant three is a quadrant that is often overlooked. I'm very happy that I've been thinking about when we should resolve the problems in quadrant three, because this is actually the problem of education in Indonesia," said Arief.

According to Arief, every child has the potential to develop if they receive the right learning environment, guidance, motivation, and learning methods.

He emphasized that self-confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset are important provisions for students to face limitations and pursue their dreams.

"Don't believe that our parents are just ordinary people, that they went to ordinary schools, and that their teachers were ordinary, but they became great people. Why? Because they had a strong mindset, strong self-confidence, strong motivation, and a positive mindset," he said.

Arief encouraged the students of the People's School to dare to dream big and not let family circumstances be a barrier to achieving success.

"People who have aspirations, people who have dreams, people who have strong motivation and self-confidence, they will not complain about their circumstances but will try to pursue their dreams," he said.

Through this collaboration, BRIN will support the development of learning and the provision of facilities and infrastructure for People's Schools based on research and innovation results.

One of the support priorities is the provision of clean water for schools that still face supply limitations, including Integrated Elementary School 1, Bekasi Regency.

"We received support for the procurement and provision of clean water in permanent public school buildings. In some areas, we are experiencing difficulties in obtaining clean water services," he said.

Arief explained that BRIN will play a role in providing research results and innovations to help resolve various operational issues in People's Schools.

"We're in the backline. What's a backline's job? Providing assists, providing research, and delivering innovation," he said.

He hopes that research and innovation support will produce real benefits for students and help improve the quality of the implementation of People's Schools in various regions.

"If the benefits are real and all students receive a higher education, I'm sure this is a good deed for all of us," he said.

(Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)