Government strives to expand education access to reduce dropout rates
“Actually, our challenge is still about the high numbers of children who are not studying in school due to various factors, ranging from economic conditions, domicile, social and cultural aspects, to security issues and limited infrastructure,” Mu’ti said here on Saturday.
He said the government has been striving to provide more accessible education for all segments of society through various pathways, including formal, non-formal, and informal education.
According to him, several programs, such as Community Learning Centers (PKBM), “one-roof schools” or integrated primary-secondary schools in remote areas, equivalency education programs (Package A, B, and C), as well as open schools, support accessible education.
“Education does not always have to be formal. It can be also non-formal and informal school, so that it is more accessible for public,” he said.
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Moreover, the government also ensures the affordable education in Indonesia by providing Operational Assistance for Education (BOP) to PKBMs, based on student numbers.
Mu’ti said learning flexibility is the key to reaching people who cannot attend formal education due to work or certain professions.
“We also provide distance learning services so they can study anytime and anywhere,” he said.
Mu’ti explained PKBMs not only provide equivalency education packages, but also serve courses and training that equip practical skills aligned with job market needs.
Meanwhile, Banyumas District Head Sadewo Tri Lastiono said the local government has introduced 21 new PKBM licenses to expand access of education in the region.
He said PKBMs in Banyumas also focus on life skills development, so that the learners can be independent according to their interests and potentials.
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Translator: Sumarwoto, Kenzu