Deputy Speaker Urges Equitable School Revitalisation: No Discrimination

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal hopes the school revitalisation programme will reach schools in the regions. He cautioned that the programme must not discriminate between state and private schools. This was conveyed by Cucun in the context of National Children’s Day, which fell on Thursday (23/7/2026). He expressed his desire for Indonesian children to be provided with quality education and to be free from stunting. “Our children must grow up healthy, free from stunting and mental health issues, have the opportunity to attend school properly, live in a safe environment, and have the chance to develop optimally as the next generation,” Cucun told reporters on Friday (24/7/2026). The DPR leadership coordinator for people’s welfare then touched on the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for children. He requested periodic evaluations of this priority programme of President Prabowo Subianto. “MBG is a major new programme, so it requires periodic evaluations to perfect it,” said Cucun. “Thus, we support a comprehensive evaluation of the MBG programme as directed by the President. By fixing shortcomings and improving governance, we are optimistic that the noble goals of MBG will be achieved,” he added. Cucun stated that the state is obliged to ensure an equitable education service system for all Indonesian children. He hopes the government will pay special attention to facilities and infrastructure. “How all children can receive the same quality of education. The government also needs to pay attention to improving existing school facilities and infrastructure that are still lacking and ensure the availability of teachers in all regions,” said Cucun. The Deputy Chairperson of the National Awakening Party (PKB) reminded that revitalisation must target schools in the regions. He does not want any discrimination between state and private schools. “The revitalisation programme must continue to target schools in the regions, and there must be no discrimination between state and private schools. Good teaching and learning quality will produce a superior generation,” he added.