Hardiknas 2026: Deputy Chair of DPR Commission X Emphasises Children's Right to Education

Jakarta - The Deputy Chair of DPR RI Commission X, MY Esti Wijayanti, emphasised educational justice for all children in Indonesia during the commemoration of National Education Day (Hardiknas) 2026.

Esti stated that education is not merely an annual ceremony but a momentum to ensure that the state is truly present for all the nation’s children.

“I want to emphasise that there should not be a single Indonesian child who cannot attend school. Education is the basic right of every child, not an option,” said Esti in an official statement on Saturday (2/5/2026).

“The challenges that remain are not only about access but also about equity in the quality of education. We must not allow disparities that are too wide, especially in 3T areas (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost),” she asserted.

When education discusses digitalisation and technology-based exams, the state must ensure that electricity, internet networks, and supporting facilities are available equitably.

“Its allocation must truly be for the education sector itself. The large education budget should not just be spent on routine expenditures,” said Esti.

Esti reminded the government to fulfil its obligation to provide decent education facilities for all Indonesian children.

“Education must start from the basics, namely teacher welfare; teachers must be prosperous and properly appreciated, especially in terms of salaries,” she said.

“There should no longer be teachers who serve with incomes far from sufficient and in economic uncertainty,” Esti added.