For Indri, Sekolah Rakyat is not just a place of learning, but also a space for her child to grow. She notices a significant change in his attitude and enthusiasm for learning.
The scorching heat of Probolinggo City does not dampen the spirit of Indridiah Pangestu Ningtyas (49), who is familiarly called Ibu Indri. Since 2005, she has been pedaling her old bicycle, selling crackers, tissues, and ointment to offices and schools. Regardless of rain or heat, her small body looks tough against the test of time and weather.
The bicycle she uses now was hit by a motorcycle, leaving it bent at its rear. However, no complaints came out of her lips. She still rides the bicycle daily, as if it were a silent witness to the thousands of kilometers she has traveled in search of a bite of food and a ray of hope. She starts her day at 08.00 in the morning, then closes it when the sky dims around 17.00 in the afternoon.
“If I sell everything, I can get Rp250,000. If not, it is around Rp100,000 to Rp150,000,” said Indri. This uncertain income is her primary source for meeting daily needs, paying the Rp100,000 rent for her low-cost apartment, Rp45,000 for PDAM (water bill), and around Rp50,000 for electricity each month. “I make it stretch, Sir. It is called trying,” said Indri when InfoPublik.id met her at Integrated Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) 7 Probolinggo City, on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Indri’s life struggles did not start today. She has been going through them alone since 2007, when her husband passed away. After briefly living with her father, Indri chose to be independent for the sake of her children. She rented a house near the Anggrek Street landfill for seven years before receiving an eviction notice. She then moved to a low-cost apartment as part of the Government’s relocation program.
Now, Indri lives with only one of her three children. Her other two children are married and working, though they do not live with her. Her youngest child is now a student at Sekolah Rakyat, an alternative education program aimed at children from underprivileged families.
“Initially, my child wanted to enter SMK 1 or SMK 2 (vocational high schools). However, data collection from Social Services then began. Neighborhood chief (Pak RW) called, saying my child could enter Sekolah Rakyat. I asked my child, and he said he wanted to. Alhamdulillah, all the school needs are covered,” she said with sparkling eyes.
For Indri, Sekolah Rakyat is not just a place to learn, but also a space for her child to grow. She sees a significant change in his attitude and enthusiasm for learning. “Now my child is more obedient and does not always play on his phone. There has been progress. Before, in elementary school, he participated in the Quran and scouting,” she said. In fact, her child is now preparing to represent the school in a citywide athletic competition on Oct. 29.
“I’m happy that my child wants to go to school instead of playing on his phone all the time at home. I can also save a little bit. If my child needs phone credit or school supplies, I stop by. Because we can only meet on Saturdays and Sundays,” she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Even though they only meet once a week, she feels close to him in spirit. It is not uncommon for Indri to shed tears in between her laughter when telling her story. “Sometimes when I am selling, if my child needs something, I stop by. But now, thank God, it is more economical because my child does not always use his phone,” she added.
Indri hopes that the Sekolah Rakyat program will not stop at the secondary level but continue into higher education. She wants her child to pursue education as far as possible. “He said he wants to go to ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology). I do not fully understand, but I fully support him. Bismillah, I am sure,” she said with a trembling voice.
For Indri, her old bicycle is not just a means of transportation. It is a vehicle of dreams, transporting her from one door to another, from one office to another, to realize her child’s future. Along the way, she has already met many people, mostly officers or employees who now know her as a tough yet humble figure.
In the midst of exhaustion, with eyes almost wet with tears. Behind her laughter and tears, there is one thing that never fades: hope.
“Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for this program. I strongly agree. I strongly agree,” she concluded.
Foto cover: Indridiah Pangestu Ningtyas (49), one of the parents of Integrated Sekolah Rakyat 7, Probolinggo City, on Thursday, Oct.16, 2025. (Photo courtesy of InfoPublik/Amiriyandi)
indonesia.go.id
