Government to Revitalise 71,744 Schools, Targets 1.1 Million Jobs

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti announced that the government is targeting the revitalisation of 71,744 educational units throughout Indonesia in 2026. The programme encompasses the renovation of school buildings, from kindergarten to senior high school level.

Abdul Mu’ti explained that the figure represents an increase from the original plan. Initially, the government targeted the revitalisation of 11,744 schools with a budget of Rp14 trillion. However, the government subsequently committed to adding 60,000 educational units, bringing the total target to 71,744 schools.

He noted that approximately 70 percent of the initial target of 11,744 schools has already been completed. Some are expected to be finished by July or August and can be inaugurated for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Abdul Mu’ti further stated that the revitalisation programme has a broader impact beyond merely improving educational facilities and infrastructure. According to government studies, the programme also contributes to the local economy. The revitalisation is carried out through a self-managed mechanism, meaning the construction and renovation processes are directly executed by each educational unit. This scheme is considered effective in encouraging local community involvement and expanding employment absorption in the regions.

Approximately 1.1 million people will be employed to work on the revitalisation of the 71,744 schools, with work periods ranging from three to eight months. The programme has received a positive response from communities, particularly in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions. During his visits to these areas, Abdul Mu’ti noted that school administrators and students greatly appreciated the programme, which reflects the President’s commitment to improving the quality of education in both public and private schools across Indonesia.