MP: Do not allow educational disparities in 3T regions
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives MY Esti Wijayanti has reminded the government to ensure there are no educational disparities, especially in remote, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.
“Do not allow disparities that are too wide, especially in 3T areas,” said Esti, quoted in Jakarta on Monday.
She then emphasised that equity in the quality of education must be the top priority. The current challenges are not just about access. Indonesian children, she said, must not be hindered from obtaining their right to schooling due to economic factors, geographical location, or infrastructural limitations.
Referring to the 2026 National Education Day theme of “Strengthening Universal Participation to Realise Quality Education for All”, Esti reminded that it is the state’s duty to provide decent educational facilities without exception.
Furthermore, she highlighted the allocation of the education budget coinciding with National Education Day on 2 May 2026. Esti reminded the government that the 20 percent budget from the state and regional budgets must be managed with “high precision” and truly on target.
According to Esti, fulfilling the 20 percent education budget is a constitutional obligation that must be carried out properly.
“Its allocation must truly be for the actual education sector. The large education budget should not just be spent on routine expenditures,” she said.
She also emphasised that the use of the budget must address the most basic needs in classrooms. The budget, she said, must be allocated to repair damaged school buildings, enhance teacher competencies, and specifically reach areas that have been left behind.
Further, Esti stated that teacher welfare is a fundamental matter that cannot be compromised in this budget precision. According to her, teachers must be prosperous, fairly remunerated in salary, and given economic certainty.
“There should no longer be teachers who serve with incomes far from sufficient and in economic uncertainty,” she said.