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Indonesia plans free public education from kindergarten to state universities
President Prabowo Subianto held a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace on September 23, 2026, to formulate policies for free public education spanning from kindergarten to state universities. The government is exploring various implementation schemes, including prioritizing new students or targeting specific economic deciles for free higher education.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that an estimated Rp93.7 trillion is required to provide free education for approximately 2.8 million students in state universities. This funding would replace existing mechanisms like Single Tuition Fees (UKT) and Institutional Development Fees (IPI). The government is currently reviewing the fiscal space within the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), which is projected to allocate between Rp820 trillion and Rp824 trillion for the education sector.
At the primary and secondary levels, Minister Abdul Mu’ti confirmed that free education will be supported by School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds and the Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP). Notably, starting in 2027, kindergarten students from low-income families will be eligible for PIP funds amounting to 450,000 IDR per year. The government also aims to improve teacher welfare, with plans to use BOS funds to cover up to 20 percent of salaries for non-ASN teachers in state schools.
Entities
Abdul Mu'ti · Abdul Mu’ti · Brian Yuliarto · Indonesia · Jakarta International Convention Center · Merdeka Palace · Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology · Prabowo Subianto · Pratikno · Saifullah Yusuf · Suahasil Nazara · Teddy Indra Wijaya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The government's education agenda includes repairing damaged school facilities. www.matamata.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The meeting focused on formulating policies to provide free public education from elementary school through state universities. pendidikan.harianjogja.com · www.matamata.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno attended the meeting at the Presidential Palace.
- [● 14 SOURCES] President Prabowo Subianto held a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. pendidikan.harianjogja.com · www.matamata.com · www.antaranews.com · beritajatim.com · katadata.co.id · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The government aims to increase teacher welfare and salaries. www.matamata.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The meeting is a follow-up to a speech delivered by the President at the Jakarta International Convention Center on September 18, 2026. pendidikan.harianjogja.com · www.matamata.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Sekolah Rakyat program operates at 182 locations, serving over 44,000 students. beritajatim.com · rejabar.republika.co.id
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kindergarten students will receive PIP funds of 450,000 IDR per year starting in 2027. www.antaranews.com · dnaberita.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds will now be provided to both elementary schools and kindergartens. www.antaranews.com · dnaberita.com · www.jawapos.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Options for free higher education will be determined based on the available fiscal space in the state budget (APBN). katadata.co.id
- [● 3 SOURCES] Salaries for honorer teachers will be paid through School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds at a rate of 20 percent. www.matamata.com · www.medcom.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government is considering options such as prioritizing new students or targeting specific decile groups for free higher education. katadata.co.id