BLITAR – Blitar Sekolah Rakyat project is moving ahead, and the city government aims to complete construction by August 2026. The program will open access to education from elementary to senior high school, targeting children from low-income families.

Eka Atikah, head of the Blitar Social Affairs Office, said the construction team continues to work on the building. She confirmed that the project is progressing in line with the original plan.

“The building is still under construction, and the work is ongoing,” she said on Monday (May 4).

The Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) manages the project and oversees its timeline. Officials expect the contractor to finish the work by August, based on the current agreement.

“The contract runs until August, and we expect the contractor to meet that deadline,” Eka said.

Once operational, Blitar Sekolah Rakyat will accommodate around 75 students. The school will divide enrollment across three levels: elementary (SD), junior high (SMP), and senior high school (SMA). Each level will consist of approximately 25 students, allowing for more focused and manageable class sizes.

The program primarily targets children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Local authorities aim to ensure these students receive equal access to quality education, which remains a key challenge in many regions.

“This initiative is specifically designed for children from underprivileged families, so they can access proper education services,” Eka said.

Beyond infrastructure, the government also plans to ensure that the school provides adequate facilities and a supportive learning environment. Officials expect the program to help reduce educational disparities and improve long-term social mobility for vulnerable groups.

However, the city administration has yet to finalize technical details regarding student admissions and operational procedures. Eka emphasized that local authorities will wait for official guidelines from the central government before opening enrollment.

“We are still awaiting technical instructions from the central government, especially regarding the admission process and implementation mechanisms,” she added.

Blitar Sekolah Rakyat initiative forms part of a broader effort to expand inclusive education across Indonesia. By opening access at multiple levels, the program aims to create equal opportunities and strengthen long-term human development.

If the project stays on schedule, the school will begin operations shortly after completion. Officials hope it will become a key step in improving education access in Blitar.