Malang, Jawa Timur, Sept. 8 -- Indonesia's Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said Monday the government has started using DNA-based talent mapping to identify and nurture the potential of students at its new public education initiative, Sekolah Rakyat or "People's School."

"This school uses a customized curriculum based on each child's strengths. There are no academic tests - just talent assessments," said Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, during a visit to SRMP 14, a pilot school in Batu City, East Java.

At SRMP 14, students undergo evaluations to identify personal traits and skills. For example, Naila, a seventh-grade student, was found to have strong critical thinking and attention to detail.

Another student, Love Sebening Wahid,...