# Indonesia proposed student grade promotion policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesia-proposed-student-grade-promotion-policy > Updated: 2026-10-19T03:16:57.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 5. The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is preparing to reintroduce a policy that ends the automatic promotion of students to the next grade, targeted for the 2027/2028 academic year. Minister Abdul Mu’ti has clarified that decisions regarding grade retention will be based on both academic achievement and character development. To ensure standardized and objective implementation, the ministry is currently drafting ministerial regulations and technical guidelines. This includes the formulation of measurable character indicators to prevent subjective assessments. The policy will also mandate that schools provide remedial programs, learning assistance, and formal identification of learning obstacles before any decision to retain a student is finalized. Recent developments indicate the proposal has received approval from President Prabowo Subianto and is currently undergoing regulatory review. While local officials in Blora previously warned of risks regarding out-of-school children, representatives from the Samarinda City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) have expressed support. Supporters in Samarinda argue that the current system of guaranteed promotion has “diminished students’ learning ethos and competitive drive,” suggesting that reinstating grade retention could encourage greater academic discipline and dedication. ## Claims - The government plans to reintroduce a system where students do not automatically advance to the next grade. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The policy is intended to be implemented starting from the 2027/2028 academic year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Disdikpora DIY is waiting for official central government regulations before implementing the policy. (single source) - Rohman from UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten warns the policy could increase the risk of school dropouts for low-income families. (single source) - Iman Lestariyono of the Bandung City DPRD emphasizes the need for school and teacher readiness. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Indonesia to reintroduce automatic grade retention in 2027 Indonesia plans to reintroduce automatic grade retention for students starting in the 2027/2028 academic year, incorporating character development into evaluations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-to-reintroduce-automatic-grade-retention-in-2027 ### 2026-10-17: Indonesia to end automatic student grade promotion by 2027 Indonesia plans to end automatic student grade promotion by the 2027/2028 academic year, basing advancement on academic performance and character development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-to-end-automatic-student-grade-promotion-by-2027 ### 2026-10-14: Indonesia considers ending automatic grade promotion for students Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is considering a policy to end automatic grade promotion by 2027 to improve student competency and learning motivation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-considers-ending-automatic-grade-promotion-for-students ### 2026-10-12: Indonesia plans to reintroduce non-automatic grade advancement by 2027 Indonesia plans to reintroduce non-automatic grade advancement for students by 2027, sparking debates over school readiness, teacher capacity, and the risk of increasing educational inequality. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-plans-to-reintroduce-non-automatic-grade-advancement-by-2027 ### 2026-10-08: Indonesia considers ending automatic student grade promotion by 2027 Indonesia's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is reviewing a proposal to end automatic grade promotion by 2027 to improve student competitiveness and academic quality. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-considers-ending-automatic-student-grade-promotion-by-2027 --- Cite as: Indonesia proposed student grade promotion policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesia-proposed-student-grade-promotion-policy