Sunday, 11 October 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Integrated School for Disadvantaged Children I Deli Serdang is developing an educational model that brings together academic learning, character development and boarding school life. The aim is to give children from low-income families better opportunities to build a successful future.
By combining the national curriculum with a dedicated boarding school curriculum and character-building programmes, the school in Hamparan Perak District seeks not only to strengthen pupils' academic abilities but also to instil discipline, independence and a sense of responsibility.This educational model attracted the attention of Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo SS when he visited lessons at the Integrated School for Disadvantaged Children I Deli Serdang on Friday, 9 October 2026. The visit also formed part of activities involving cadets from the Indonesian Defence University at schools for disadvantaged children in various parts of Indonesia.
During his tour, Lom Lom observed lessons in the junior secondary classrooms. He emphasised that educational success depended not only on the material taught but also on the quality of teachers and the availability of a supportive school environment that encouraged pupils to develop.In his view, children from low-income families needed access to quality education to develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions. Schools therefore had to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment that encouraged pupils to continue improving themselves.
He also urged teachers to support pupils with a humane, empathetic and caring approach. This was important to ensure that children felt supported and valued throughout their education."This approach should enable pupils at schools for disadvantaged children to gain new knowledge and experiences that motivate them to continue learning, develop their abilities and achieve their life goals," the Deputy Regent said.
Reni Lasmaria Sinaga, head of the junior secondary section of the Integrated School for Disadvantaged Children I Deli Serdang, explained that the school was part of a strategic programme introduced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The programme specifically targets children from low-income families.
The school combines the national curriculum with a dedicated curriculum for boarding school life. As a result, pupils not only attend regular academic lessons but also receive guidance and support in their daily lives at the boarding school.Reni emphasised that the school generally followed a teaching system similar to that used by other schools. In addition, the school management carried out supervision and evaluation to maintain teaching quality and ensure that the educational process complied with applicable requirements.
The school also applies the Multi-Entry Multi-Exit (MEME) system, which governs the conditions and procedures for pupils entering and leaving the education system. Reni clarified that MEME was not a separate curriculum but rather a more flexible administrative framework for managing these processes."Our teaching system is in line with that of other schools. We use the national curriculum and the curriculum for boarding school life, while also carrying out the relevant supervisory measures. We also apply the Multi-Entry Multi-Exit system. MEME is therefore not a separate curriculum at our school, but a system that regulates the procedures for pupils entering and leaving," Reni explained.
Combining the two curricula with boarding school supervision forms part of the school's approach to providing children with a more comprehensive educational experience. Pupils gain knowledge in the classroom while also taking part in daily activities designed to encourage positive attitudes and behaviour.
The Integrated School for Disadvantaged Children I Deli Serdang considers character development an essential part of the educational process. To support this goal, the school runs the BERSUKA programme every Saturday. The name is an abbreviation of Bersama Wali Asuh dan Wali Asrama Kesayanganku, which can be translated as "Together with My Beloved Personal Mentors and Boarding School Supervisors".
Through the programme, pupils receive dedicated support from their personal mentors and boarding school supervisors. The activities aim to build trusting relationships between children and their mentors, promote positive values, and strengthen discipline and a sense of responsibility."Every Saturday, we focus specifically on developing the children's character together with their personal mentors and boarding school supervisors. We call this programme BERSUKA, meaning 'Together with My Beloved Personal Mentors and Boarding School Supervisors'," Reni explained.
Character development is complemented by activities designed to nurture pupils' individual interests and talents. The extracurricular programme includes taekwondo, karate, choir singing, preparation for academic competitions, international learning programmes, scouting, the Indonesian Red Cross Youth programme and futsal.These varied activities give pupils opportunities to develop their abilities across different fields. Through sport, the arts, academic pursuits and community engagement, they can build discipline, teamwork, leadership skills and self-confidence.
The activities also help children discover their personal strengths and interests. In this way, education extends beyond academic achievement to support pupils' personal and social development.
Combining academic learning with character development is an important part of efforts to expand educational opportunities for children from low-income families. Access to quality education can equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to face future challenges.
In this context, teacher quality, a supportive learning environment, boarding school supervision and opportunities for personal development complement one another. At the same time, schools must ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn according to their abilities and interests and to fulfil their potential.Lom Lom Suwondo's visit also highlighted the importance of providing a safe and welcoming educational environment. The participation of cadets from the Indonesian Defence University is intended to broaden pupils' experiences, introduce them to new perspectives and encourage them to continue learning.
By combining academic teaching, character development and support for individual interests and talents, the Integrated School for Disadvantaged Children I Deli Serdang aims to provide children from low-income families with broader opportunities to build a better future.Education, therefore, is not merely about imparting knowledge. It is also a means of fostering independence, building character and unlocking the potential of the younger generation. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
