JAKARTA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia on Monday inaugurated 166 People's Schools across the country as part of the government's efforts to expand inclusive and equitable access to education, President Prabowo Subianto said.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all parties who have worked to realize this step. In my view, this is a breakthrough, a bold step. I'm truly moved to see the impact of our efforts," Prabowo said at the inauguration ceremony held in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan Province.

The People's Schools program, which was directly initiated by President Prabowo, is designed to expand educational access for people living in poverty and extreme poverty. Since July last year, the schools have been operating in stages across the archipelago.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf reported that a total of 166 schools have been established in 34 provinces and 131 regencies and cities nationwide. The schools currently accommodate 15,954 students, supported by 2,218 teachers and 4,889 education personnel.

President Prabowo also outlined the government's long-term plan to expand the program, with a target of building 500 People's Schools nationwide by 2029. Each school is expected to accommodate up to 1,000 students, enabling the program to eventually reach as many as 500,000 learners.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating extreme poverty in Indonesia and called on all segments of society to unite and work together to eliminate poverty and hunger across the country. ■