Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) and open house for Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi (SRT) 1 in Malang Regency officially began on Friday, 31 July 2026. The school is seen as a vital step in breaking the cycle of poverty in Indonesia through education.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stressed that the initiative forms part of the government’s effort to raise the dignity and living standards of communities. By educating the next generation, she said, Indonesia can make real progress in eradicating poverty.
“Sekolah Rakyat plays a significant role as a medium to genuinely improve the dignity and standing of people, especially those in the lowest income groups,” Khofifah said when contacted.
She noted that the students come from a wide range of social backgrounds. In the boarding environment, they are expected to build cohesion and harmony while strengthening character, morals, and discipline.
Khofifah emphasized that the MPLS period must be free of bullying. From the outset, the school should foster a safe, enjoyable atmosphere based on mutual respect and gotong-royong.
Head of SRT 1 Malang Regency, Warsito, explained that after the MPLS phase, students will move into matriculation and regular classes. Their talents will be mapped through a “talent DNA” assessment so the school can offer matching extracurricular activities. These include choir, English club, graphic design, silat, karate and others.
“We map each student’s talents and then provide extracurricular program that match those results,” he said.
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Warsito added that most facilities at SRT 1 are nearly complete. The mosque is fully operational, and the multipurpose hall and auditorium are already in use. Boys’ and girls’ dormitories for junior and senior high school students are also ready, with MPLS activities currently centered at the senior high school building.
The school currently has 323 students: 59 at elementary level, 118 at junior high and 94 at senior high. They come from across Malang Regency, with some transferring from pilot schools in Lumajang and Kediri. All are now united under SRT 1 Malang Regency.
One student, 16-year-old Mahesa Jenar, said he chose the school to ease the financial burden on his family. Previously studying at an MTs in Tirtoyudo and orphaned since elementary school, he had to cover costs himself. Now the government covers everything, registration was straightforward, and he arrived on Thursday.
“There are mentors here, the process was simple, and I was already here by Thursday,” he said. (wul/ono)
Indonesian Version:
Menuju Indonesia Emas, Sekolah Rakyat Terintegrasi Menjadi Pemutus Mata Rantai Kemiskinan
