Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Providing Free, Quality Education to All Indonesian Children

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to free, high-quality education for all Indonesian children, from early childhood to higher education at public education institutions.

The President made the statement during a limited meeting with several ministers on enhancing education access and quality nationwide at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, on Wednesday (09/23).

“The President underscored his commitment to providing free education to students at primary and secondary education levels. It also includes kindergartens. That is what we need to assert,” Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said in his press statement after the meeting.

According to Abdul Mu’ti, the Government also focuses on improving the quality of educators by providing training programs funded by the State Budget.

“His commitment to providing free education services to public school students is part of ensuring that all Indonesian children receive quality education in order to implement the fourth Asta Cita (eight missions) of President Prabowo Subianto,” he said.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar also stated that the free education policy applies to Islamic public schools under his ministry.

“What applies to regular public schools also applies to Islamic public schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he said.

In the meantime, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto pointed out that the Government is currently assessing the financial needs to prepare free tuition for public higher education institutions.

“The President expects the free tuition program can be rolled out soon, but we certainly will go through stages to enable it,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)