People’s Schools Need to Strengthen Vocational Learning and the People’s Economy

PARLIAMENTARY, Banyuwangi – Ina Ammania, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has called for strengthening the People’s School (SR) curriculum by incorporating lessons on the people’s economy. The initiative is considered important for equipping students with practical skills and creativity to develop the economic potential of their local communities, creating added value for their families and society.

“I urge that the curriculum be broadened to help students understand the people’s economy in their surroundings. With creativity, students can create products with economic value that can ultimately help their families and local communities,” Ina said during a Specific Working Visit by Commission VIII of the DPR RI to the Integrated People’s School (SRT) I Banyuwangi, in Muncar District, East Java, on Friday (November 13, 2026).

The PDI-P faction politician also praised the students’ enthusiasm for practical activities turning waste into useful products. She said these activities put the creative economy into practice, fostering environmental awareness while developing entrepreneurial skills from an early age.

“The activity is outstanding. The children are enthusiastic about carrying out their assignments, turning waste into creative-economy products with added value. Going forward, household and other local waste can continue to be sorted, and the children can put appropriate recycling processes into practice,” she added.

Meanwhile, Citra Maharani, principal of SMA SRT 1 Banyuwangi, explained that the People’s School curriculum is designed holistically, integrating the national Merdeka Belajar guidelines, character education, and vocational skills training to prepare students for the workforce.

However, she said, the delivery of lessons still faces challenges because a centralized Learning Management System (LMS) is not yet available. Such a system is needed to support the Multi Entry Multi Exit (MEME) model, which allows students from low-income families to access education without having to wait for the start of the school year.

“We use the MEME system, where students can enroll at any time, similar to a credit-based system. If there were a module-based LMS, students who learn quickly could even complete their education in two years. Unfortunately, the LMS has not yet been provided, so for now we are making do by independently adding material in the morning and afternoon,” Citra explained.

In response, Commission VIII of the DPR RI said that an integrated learning system is essential to optimizing the delivery of the People’s School program. Digital modules supported by an LMS are needed to tailor learning to each student’s abilities and needs, while also strengthening creative-economy skills and enabling measurable progress in academic achievement. (ams/ssb)