Indonesian Education Minister addresses students on critical thinking and social advocacy

Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, has called on students from Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education institutions (PTMA) to strengthen their critical reasoning, moral integrity, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Speaking at a national forum for PTMA student executives, Mu’ti encouraged students to provide policy feedback supported by verifiable data, including specific locations and chronologies, to ensure government agencies can take appropriate action.

During the forum, students from Riau highlighted the impact of forest and land fires on education, proposing the development of smoke-resilient school concepts. Mu’ti emphasized that student safety is a priority and suggested remote learning as an option in fire-affected areas to mitigate health risks.

Regarding infrastructure, the government announced plans to renovate 16,167 educational units in 2025, with 23 percent being private schools, and a target of 71,744 units for 2026. Additionally, the Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP) has reached 19.8 million participants.