STRAIGHTTIME.ASIA, KEPRI – The Riau Islands Provincial Government (Kepri) is accelerating the development of the People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat) as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Program aimed at expanding access to quality education for children from low-income families.
On Tuesday morning (June 23, 2026), Riau Islands Vice Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, accompanied by representatives from relevant government institutions, conducted a site inspection at the former Garuda School complex in Dompak, Tanjungpinang. The location has been designated for the future construction of the Riau Islands Provincial People’s School.
The inspection was carried out to assess the site’s readiness and ensure that preparations are progressing according to the directive of the Governor of the Riau Islands. Officials reviewed technical, administrative, and supporting infrastructure requirements to ensure the project remains on schedule.
Vice Governor Nyanyang emphasized that the People’s School is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programs designed to provide high-quality education for children from disadvantaged and extremely poor families.
“This program is not merely about constructing school buildings. It is about building the future of the younger generation in the Riau Islands. Education remains the most effective way to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty,” Nyanyang said during the inspection.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing full support so that construction can begin as soon as possible and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.
The People’s School is designed as a fully funded boarding school where students will receive free education, accommodation, meals, uniforms, school supplies, and character-building programs. The initiative specifically targets children from poor and extremely poor households, ensuring they have equal opportunities to receive quality education regardless of their economic background.
Beyond improving educational access, the project is expected to produce highly skilled human resources, enhance the quality of life across the province, and accelerate poverty alleviation through education.
The provincial government also believes the project will generate significant economic benefits. During the construction phase, it is expected to create employment opportunities, while long-term school operations will stimulate local economic activity through service, supply, and infrastructure needs.
Previously, the Governor of the Riau Islands assigned Vice Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura to directly oversee the readiness of People’s School projects across several regions.
In the initial phase of 2026, People’s Schools will be developed in Tanjungpinang City, Anambas Islands Regency, and Natuna Regency. Meanwhile, the provincial-level People’s School is being prepared for construction in Dompak as part of the program’s next expansion phase.
Through this initiative, the Riau Islands Provincial Government aims to ensure that more children from underprivileged families gain access to quality education, improve the competitiveness of the province’s future workforce, and promote sustainable social welfare through long-term investment in human capital.
(By Iman Suryanto)
