Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have agreed to collaborate on strengthening the Sekolah Rakyat program and other community empowerment initiatives through research, policy studies, technology development, program evaluation, and innovation to support the government's priority programs.
The partnership focuses on enhancing Sekolah Rakyat, one of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship programs, by adopting an evidence-based policy approach.
BRIN Deputy for Development Policy Prof. Nunung Nuryartono said the agency is ready to mobilize its nationwide research network to support the ministry's needs.
"BRIN is ready to support the Ministry of Social Affairs. Please submit your research and technology requirements so we can immediately follow up together," he said.
BRIN Offers Research and Practical Technologies
BRIN will conduct studies on the effectiveness of Sekolah Rakyat, covering student development, infrastructure, curriculum, governance, and other key aspects to improve future policy.
The agency also introduced several technologies that could be implemented in the program, including water exploration, rainwater harvesting, desalination, water recycling, and technology-based waste management.
Among the innovations is LASAMOR, a household-scale waste processing system designed to help social assistance beneficiaries generate additional economic value while addressing environmental challenges.
According to Prof. Nunung, waste management can create new economic opportunities while improving environmental sustainability, and the technology is ready for implementation.
Community Empowerment Becomes a Key Poverty Reduction Strategy
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo welcomed the collaboration, saying it aligns with the ministry's community empowerment initiatives, including the Kampung Bersih dan Berdaya program that has been piloted in Serang, Bogor, and Bali.
He noted that BRIN's waste management technology could strengthen these initiatives by transforming waste into economic value while improving community welfare.
Agus added that the ministry is shifting its focus from simply distributing social assistance to empowering beneficiaries so they can achieve long-term economic independence.
He emphasized that Sekolah Rakyat is a top government priority because it aims to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by expanding educational opportunities for children from low-income and extremely poor families.
Beyond education, both institutions also agreed to explore collaboration on appropriate technologies for vulnerable communities, local economic development, and the broader use of BRIN's research to support poverty alleviation.
Conclusion
Through research-driven policymaking and technology adoption, the partnership between Kemensos and BRIN aims to strengthen Sekolah Rakyat, empower communities, and accelerate Indonesia's efforts to reduce poverty through sustainable and evidence-based solutions.
Read more: Technology and Innovation are Key for Indonesia to Continue Advancing Industrial Transformation