Indonesia finalizes free education policy including university fee abolition

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Sugiono, is finalizing a comprehensive free education policy following directives from President Prabowo Subianto. The plan aims to provide broad access to education ranging from Early Childhood Education (PAUD) to higher education.

For state universities, the proposed policy includes the abolition of Single Tuition Fees (UKT) and Institutional Development Fees (IPI), which are typically charged through independent admission tracks. Sugiono emphasized that the goal is to ensure the perception of ‘free’ education is fully realized without placing a financial burden on parents.

The policy framework is being developed across three main clusters, designed to gradually eliminate costs in public schools while responding to Constitutional Court rulings to expand access to private schools and religious educational institutions. Additionally, the government is preparing special affirmative measures for children in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.

To ensure effective implementation, technical ministries have been instructed to prepare multiple financing simulations, distinguishing between ideal budget requirements and minimum essential needs. The government is also working to synchronize regulations and update recipient data to ensure the program is accurately targeted.