Malang, en.SERU.co.id – A touching story of resilience emerged from Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 16 in Malang, where 19-year-old student Abdullah Nashiruddin Al-Hilali, known as Hilal, shared his journey from child labor to pursuing an education.
Speaking briefly in front of Chief of Presidential Staff General TNI (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Dudung Abdurachman during a school visit on Friday (12/6/2026), Hilal recounted a childhood with little room for play. Instead, he spent his days helping his mother by selling martabak and washing cars alongside his older sibling to keep the family afloat amid severe financial hardship.
Now in seventh grade at the people’s school, Hilal faces an even heavier reality: both of his parents have passed away. Yet he remains determined to keep studying and rebuild his future.
“I want to continue school and make my dreams come true,” he said.
Hilal expressed his ambition to join the Indonesian National Police (Polri) or another government institution after graduation. However, he voiced concern about his age. At 19 and still in junior high, he worries about age restrictions for entry into service academies and potential workplace discrimination.
Dudung offered reassuring words, explaining that the government is currently reviewing and adjusting age limits and requirements for state service education pathways.
“It’s being regulated now. It’s not like before. There are still dedicated pathways through the eight service-affiliated schools,” Dudung said.
The visit highlighted the impact of the Sekolah Rakyat program, an initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto to support children from vulnerable and extremely poor families. Dudung noted that many students, like Hilal, are experiencing formal schooling and boarding life for the first time.
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“Initially, quite a few wanted to go home and return to their old routines. But through character building, they’ve changed tremendously. Some are now excelling and bringing pride to the school,” he observed.
For students like Hilal, Sekolah Rakyat offers more than just academics. The program covers all basic needs — food, uniforms, and learning facilities — giving them a real chance to dream again after years of economic struggle. (bas/mzm)
