Abdul Mu'ti: Joint Roadmap embodies government's commitment to strengthening early childhood education

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti stated that the launch of the ASEAN-SEAMEO Joint Roadmap on Early Childhood Education and Care in Southeast Asia represents the Indonesian Government’s commitment to strengthening early childhood education (PAUD) services.

“This programme demonstrates the Indonesian Government’s commitment, particularly regarding education services and the provision of protection for young children,” said Mu’ti at the launch event of the ASEAN-SEAMEO Joint Roadmap on Early Childhood Education and Care in Southeast Asia held in Jakarta on Thursday.

Furthermore, he added that the presence of this joint roadmap also aligns with the 13-year compulsory education programme under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

“This is also in line with the President’s programme on 13 years of compulsory education, which begins from kindergarten, and the Free Nutritious Meal Programme provided for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, whether they are studying in formal education levels or in pre-school phases,” he stated.

Previously, the Director General of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Secondary Education (Dirjen PAUD Dikdasmen) Gogot Suharwoto mentioned that the joint roadmap contains seven important aspects for young children.

“Strengthening partners in Indonesia because 95 percent of PAUD institutions are private, so we must involve partnerships,” he said.

Then, Gogot continued that the fifth aspect to be provided to young children is strengthening caregiving. The sixth is the utilisation of technology.

“We have already provided interactive digital devices and interactive digital boards in 64,000 PAUD institutions across Indonesia,” he remarked.

Next, the seventh important aspect to be provided to young children is funding for PAUD.