Prabowo Administration Pledges Free Education from Kindergarten to High School

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the government's commitment to providing free education services for students in state schools, from kindergarten (TK) to basic and secondary education. This policy aims to fulfill the commitment that all Indonesian children have the right to quality education, aligning with the fourth point of President Prabowo's 'Asta Cita' (Eight Promises). Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti stated that President Prabowo conveyed this commitment during a limited cabinet meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Mu'ti highlighted that the free education policy is not solely about expanding access but also necessitates improving the quality of education, including the quality of educators. President Prabowo directed that the quality of teachers be continuously strengthened through various training programs, with funding for these programs to be sought from the State Budget (APBN). "His commitment to provide free education services for students in public schools is part of the commitment that all Indonesian children have the right to quality education in order to carry out the fourth Asta Cita of President Prabowo Subianto," said Mu'ti. The policy of free education for state schools will also apply to state madrasahs under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that the principle of free education services applied to state schools also applies to state madrasahs. Thus, the government's commitment to free education services encompasses state educational units under relevant ministries, including state schools and state madrasahs. Meanwhile, the government is also preparing a program to exempt tuition fees at state universities (PTN). Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the government is still calculating the financing needs and preparing the stages of implementation for this program. Brian conveyed that President Prabowo wants the free tuition program to be realized as soon as possible, but its implementation must consider the readiness of the budget and the sustainability of higher education. "The hope is of course that the President wants this free tuition program to be implemented as soon as possible, but of course we will go through stages, yes, not immediately," said Brian. The government is thus preparing a free education policy at various levels, with state schools and madrasahs being part of the services emphasized, while the higher education scheme is still in the stage of calculating the budget needs and preparing for implementation. Source: VOI English