Rural Sociology Expert from IPB University: The Implementation of the People’s School Program Should Not Be Rushed
Rural Sociology Expert from IPB University, Prof Sofyan Sjaf, stated that the People’s School, which is now a priority program of President Prabowo’s government, is a good initiative.
“The concept of the People’s School is fundamentally good, especially if it can match the quality of boarding schools,” explained the figure who currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) at IPB University.
So far, access to decent education has still been difficult for underprivileged communities. This inequality hinders individual progress and national development. In fact, education is the key to forming superior human resources (HR) that can compete.
According to him, this program has a noble intention to open equal educational access for the poor. This initiative is important so that underprivileged groups have equal educational opportunities, similar to formal schools.
However, behind this noble reason, Prof Sofyan emphasized the importance of a selection process for students to ensure that they truly come from poor families.
“Until now, the definition of poverty is often not uniform, so a participatory and sensitive approach is needed to ensure the program does not miss its target,” he reminded.
In addition, teachers also need to be strictly selected so that the People’s School is not filled with unqualified educators. Therefore, he suggested that the government needs to establish a systematic mechanism to ensure the quality of teachers.
The welfare aspects of teachers and the clarity of the educational roadmap also need to be prepared and taken seriously. Careful planning is required so that graduates of the People’s School can be directed according to the nation’s potential and needs, as well as be able to face global challenges such as economic and digital warfare.
In the process of nurturing students, several fundamental aspects need special attention, including spiritual development, nutritional adequacy, discipline, and sports. This becomes increasingly relevant given the complex mental challenges faced by today’s youth.
Moreover, extracurricular activities and character-building programs play a strategic role in shaping students who are not only intellectually superior but also have mental resilience.
He assessed that the Human Development Index (HDI) data is still categorized as moderate. At the same time, educational participation, especially at the high school and university levels, is relatively low.
“I believe the People’s School can increase educational participation and the quality of national HR. Provided that the program’s targets truly come from the needy groups and the supporting system works well,” he asserted.
Finally, he also emphasized that the implementation of this program should not be rushed. Prof Sofyan reminded that infrastructure, facilities, selection mechanisms, and the direction of graduate policies must be well-prepared to avoid creating new problems. (AS) (IAAS/KMR)
