Ministry seeks Rp24.8T additional budget to improve religious schools
“This budget proposal is our effort to ensure there is no longer a gap between madrasahs (Islamic schools) and general schools,” Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said in a statement on Sunday.
He detailed that the additional budget would be allocated to several strategic programs, including Rp13.7 trillion (US$801 million) for school revitalization.
Furthermore, Rp10.9 trillion (US$637 million) will be dedicated to the learning digitalization initiative to modernize classrooms.
The minister stated that Rp159 billion (US$9.3 million) will be allotted to the free books assistance program to support students.
Additionally, Rp22.9 billion (US$1.3 million) will be allocated to the Garuda Top High School Transformation program.
“The government must be present and provide equal attention,” Umar stressed while calling for equal treatment between general and religious education.
A primary focus of this proposal is the urgent need for infrastructure and facility improvements across the religious education sector.
The school revitalization budget is planned to target 7,131 schools, including 6,973 madrasahs and 128 Christian schools. The plan also covers 13 Catholic schools, nine Hindu schools, and eight Buddhist schools to ensure inclusive development.
Umar highlighted that many madrasah buildings require serious repairs and noted that infrastructure quality reflects the state’s commitment to religious education.
Another point of concern for the minister was the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program which currently has limited reach in religious institutions.
Currently, the program’s reach within madrasahs and pesantrens stands at only 10 to 12 percent.
This coverage lags significantly behind general schools where the MBG program is projected to reach 80 percent soon.
“Given the economic conditions, madrasah and pesantren students are in dire need of this support. We hope the program’s reach can be expanded,” he said.
He noted that pesantrens possess a prepared ecosystem for the MBG program as they are accustomed to independent kitchens and communal dining.
Umar expressed hope that the budget proposal will be approved to accelerate the development of an inclusive religious education system.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji