ASEAN-SEAMEO roadmap to boost early childhood education: Indonesia

“This is our commitment to ensuring that every child in Southeast Asia has access to quality, inclusive, and holistic ECE,” Director General of Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Education Gogot Suharwoto said in Jakarta on Thursday.

He said the document is designed as both a shared commitment and a technical reference that can be translated into national policies, programs, and investments.

The roadmap is a follow-up to the 2023 ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on ECE transformation led by Indonesia, which encourages countries to address gaps in access and quality.

It was developed with input from regional stakeholders and promotes cross-sector integration, including education, health, nutrition, and child protection.

SEAMEO CECCEP, which focuses on early childhood education and parenting in the region, is involved in advancing the initiative.

The ministry said multi-stakeholder involvement strengthens the roadmap’s role as a shared regional reference while remaining relevant to national needs.

The roadmap also encourages stronger funding commitments and policies, with the aim of generating long-term gains in human resource development.

With this framework, ASEAN countries are expected to expand access and improve ECE services in a more coordinated and measurable way.

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Translator: Tri, Kenzu