Indonesia to reintroduce automatic grade retention in 2027

Indonesia's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, has announced plans to reintroduce an automatic grade retention policy starting in the 2027/2028 academic year. The policy, which has received approval from President Prabowo Subianto, is currently undergoing regulatory review and the preparation of technical guidelines.

Under the proposed system, student advancement will not rely solely on academic grades. The Ministry intends to implement a more comprehensive evaluation process that also considers character development and a student's overall readiness for the next level of learning. This move aims to improve the national education evaluation system.

The proposal has received support from local representatives, such as members of the Samarinda City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Supporters argue that the current system, which often guarantees promotion regardless of performance, has diminished students' learning ethos and competitive drive. They suggest that reinstating the possibility of failing a grade could encourage greater dedication and academic discipline among students.