Prabowo Accelerates Free Education, Plans for Tuition-Free University Being Finalised

President Prabowo Subianto has led a limited meeting to discuss the accelerated implementation of free education in public schools. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that there are currently 164,000 public schools recorded in Indonesia.

“The implementation of free education in public schools covers everything from early childhood education (PAUD/TK), primary school, junior high school, up to senior high school/vocational school (SMA/SMK). Overall, there are approximately 164,000 public schools at these levels across Indonesia,” Teddy stated in a written statement on Wednesday (23/09/2026).

Free education will also extend to public higher education institutions. The government is currently finalising plans to waive tuition fees at public universities, which includes the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) and initial enrolment fees.

“In the next 2 to 4 weeks, the government will finalise the plan for the implementation of tuition-free public higher education, including the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) and enrolment fees,” Teddy revealed.

In line with the strengthening of national education, Teddy added that the government is also paying special attention to Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Teddy explained that through Presidential Regulation Number 18 of 2026, the government has established a Directorate General of Pesantren within the Ministry of Religious Affairs as a dedicated body to handle pesantren affairs.

The formation of this directorate general is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that pesantren education receives the necessary attention and support within the framework of national education strengthening.

“This step reaffirms the government’s commitment to opening up as much access to education as possible, improving the quality of learning, and ensuring that every educational pathway receives the required attention and support,” said Teddy.