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Indonesia plans free public education from elementary to university
President Prabowo Subianto has initiated discussions to implement a free public education program spanning from elementary school to state universities. During a recent cabinet meeting, officials discussed the mechanisms required to transition to this model, which aims to expand equitable access to education across Indonesia.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the government has estimated a budget of approximately Rp93.7 trillion to cover 2,833,169 students in vocational and academic state universities (D3, D4, and S1 levels). This funding is expected to replace existing costs such as Single Tuition Fees (UKT) and Institutional Development Fees (IPI). The government aims to finalize the specific implementation schemes and financial calculations within two to four weeks.
To fund these initiatives, the government plans to utilize the existing 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), which allocates roughly Rp820.9 trillion for education, fulfilling the constitutional mandate of 20 percent of state spending. Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara noted that no supplementary budget is required, as the focus will be on the optimal structural redesign of current allocations.
Additionally, the government is expanding the Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP) to include kindergarten students from low-income families starting in 2027, with an annual allocation of 450,000 IDR per student. The administration is also reporting progress on the Sekolah Rakyat program, which currently serves over 44,000 students across 182 locations.
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 · beritajatim.com
- [● 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
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kindergarten students will receive PIP funds of 450,000 IDR per year starting in 2027. dnaberita.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds will now be provided to both elementary schools and kindergartens. 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).
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government is considering options such as prioritizing new students or targeting specific decile groups for free higher education.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A special team led by Coordinating Minister Pratikno has been formed to study the budget and implementation stages for free higher education.