MPR Deputy Speaker Highlights Low Public Interest in Non-Formal Education
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie) has said that serious support from stakeholders is needed to increase public interest in learning at non-formal education units (SPNF).
“We cannot deny that the non-formal education pathway is still considered a second choice. In fact, non-formal education units are an emergency gateway for millions of Indonesian children who have dropped out of school or are not reached by the formal system,” Rerie said in a written statement on Thursday (27/8/2026).
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) on Wednesday (26/8) reminded SPNF to continue socialising and not delay the registration process for students wishing to take the Paket C Academic Ability Test (TKA).
Data from Kemendikdasmen as of 23 August 2026 revealed that of the 9,693 SPNF recorded and meeting the requirements, only 361 SPNF had registered to take the Paket C TKA.
This figure stands in stark contrast to last year’s achievement, which recorded 6,128 SPNF, or around 63%, participating.
Rerie believes a number of factors are hindering public access to SPNF, including cultural factors and social stigma.
Non-formal education, Rerie said, is often looked down upon compared with formal education, making people reluctant to enrol. In addition, Rerie stressed that other inhibiting factors are economic constraints and accessibility.
According to Rerie, most Paket C learners come from lower economic groups who are forced to work to help their families. Rerie explained that this makes it difficult for them to attend regularly and sit examinations.
Furthermore, Rerie added that the lack of learning facilities and poor communication networks between institutions and external parties remain classic problems faced by SPNF.
“These obstacles must become the concern of all parties. Concrete steps are needed, not just rhetoric, so that every Indonesian child receives quality education services, whatever the pathway,” asserted the member of the NasDem Party High Council.
To encourage increased public participation in non-formal education, Rerie emphasised the importance of collaborative strategies with massive socialisation and a change in mindset.
According to Rerie, the government and educational institutions must vigorously instil the understanding that a Paket C certificate is equivalent to a senior high school diploma and carries the same rights to continue education to a higher level or apply for jobs.
In addition, Course and Training Institutions (LKP) and Community Learning Activity Centres (PKBM) must be strengthened so they are able to produce competent, work-ready graduates, not merely chase certificates.
“We must not stop at the numbers. We must ensure that those who have struggled on the non-formal pathway receive equal recognition,” Rerie said.
“Inclusivity is not just a slogan, but a necessity,” she concluded.