New Provisions in the Revised National Education System Bill

The working committee for the National Education System Bill (RUU Sisdiknas) has announced the completion of its draft. Committee Chair Hetifah Sjaifudian stated that the draft consists of 16 chapters and 257 articles. Among these, Hetifah noted several new provisions, including the expansion of compulsory education, protection for students and educators, strengthening education funding, and education governance. “One of the most important milestones today is that if each faction has given its approval, we can submit this draft to the Legislation Body,” Hetifah said during a working meeting of Commission X on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. In the context of expanding compulsory education, Hetifah said the latest provision in the RUU Sisdiknas extends the compulsory education programme to 13 years. The extension is achieved by incorporating the duration of early childhood education (PAUD). The bill, Hetifah said, also adds content on technology and Pancasila, strengthens character education in the curriculum, reinforces inclusive education for persons with disabilities, and retains local content. “The use of information technology for education governance, this is also something new that was not in the previous law,” she stated. Commission X, Hetifah added, has also included provisions in a new chapter concerning the regulation of violence prevention and handling in educational units. This provision will regulate the prevention and handling of physical, psychological, and sexual violence, as well as discrimination, including a protection approach for educators. Regarding funding, she confirmed that the mandatory spending provision of at least 20 percent of the budget for education is also regulated in this latest RUU Sisdiknas draft. She also confirmed that the drafting process for the RUU Sisdiknas has undergone a lengthy process since January 2025, involving hearings and public consultations with various related parties. “So, what we have done has actually been quite long and fast,” said the Golkar Party politician.