JAYAPURA – The government has ensured that children admitted to Sekolah Rakyat will not only receive a free education, but their enrollment will also trigger social assistance for their families. This intervention is carried out through the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Direct Cash Assistance (BLT).

Acting Head of the Papua Social Affairs Office, Djong H.W. Makanuay, stated that this mechanism is part of Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025. Its goal is to reduce poverty by simultaneously strengthening access to education and social protection.

“When a child enrolls in Sekolah Rakyat, their parents will automatically be taken into consideration. They are included in social assistance schemes such as the Family Hope Program and Direct Cash Assistance. So it's a full package,” Djong explained in Jayapura.

He explained that this social support is provided through Non-Physical Specific Transfer Funds (DTSN) managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The children are nurtured in a boarding school system until they complete primary and secondary education, and are even encouraged to pursue higher education.

This initiative, said Djong, is a concrete manifestation of President Asta Cita's in building a golden generation from communities that have long struggled to access education and welfare.

“The main target is underprivileged families. Their children are prepared to become university graduates, and their parents are assisted in escaping the cycle of poverty,” he said. ***