Indonesia plans to make public education free from kindergarten to university
Education experts question funding sources and urge focus on learning quality
Quick Look
- President Prabowo Subianto has directed his cabinet to accelerate plans for free public education across all levels, from kindergarten to university.
- Analysts warn that budget constraints may challenge the implementation of this massive policy shift.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Indonesian government is evaluating the removal of fees for approximately 164,000 public schools and state universities.
Indonesia is pursuing plans to make public schools free at all levels, stretching from kindergarten to university, but mounting pressure on the state budget could hinder the government from pulling off the massive undertaking, analysts have said.
President Prabowo Subianto summoned his ministers last week to discuss a plan to “accelerate the implementation of free education in public schools”, according to a statement released by cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya on September 23.
“Free education [will be] implemented in public schools, from preschool or kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, to senior high or vocational school. Overall, there are about 164,000 public schools at these levels throughout Indonesia,” Wijaya said.
The government also aimed to finalise plans to eliminate fees at state universities, including standard semester tuition and initial admission fees, “in the next two to four weeks”, he said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Government to finalize plans for eliminating state university fees within two to four weeks.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the specific funding source for this initiative?
- How will the government maintain educational quality during the transition?
