Prabowo Claims Largest School Renovation in History, 71,744 Schools Repaired

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that his administration is running the largest school renovation programme in history. In the second year of his government, 71,744 schools have been repaired.

“Our children must receive a good education. Because of that, we are running the largest school renovation programme in our history. Up to this year, we have repaired more than 71,744 schools,” Prabowo said during the Annual Session of the MPR and Joint Session of the DPR/DPD at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026).

Prabowo explained that the government repaired approximately 17,000 schools in the previous year. The figure has increased significantly this year and is targeted to continue growing until all schools in Indonesia are fully renovated.

“Last year it was 17,000, this year it is over 71,000. Next year our target is 100,000. By 2028, 100,000. By 2029, all schools in Indonesia, elementary schools, junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational schools, including those in Islamic boarding schools, must be completely renovated,” said the Gerindra Party chairman.

The Gerindra Party chairman stressed that the programme does not only target schools in urban areas or on Java Island. The government is also improving educational facilities in the outermost and most remote regions as part of efforts to achieve educational equity.

“Even on the most remote, outermost island, Miangas Island, we have repaired the school there and we will repair the community health centre there. And now there is a special task force for the outermost and remote islands. In Sabang, on the westernmost island of Indonesia, in Merauke, and throughout Indonesia,” he added.

In addition to school renovations, Prabowo revealed that the government has also distributed interactive screens to schools across Indonesia. He said the use of technology is part of efforts to improve the quality of learning.

“Including foreign languages. Foreign languages are an absolute must, we must master them. We will start foreign languages for our children from elementary school. Ladies and gentlemen, from grade 1 of elementary school, they must start learning foreign languages,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo also stressed the importance of mastering foreign languages from an early age. He said foreign language learning will be introduced to primary school students, including English, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and French.

“The most important languages, English, Mandarin, Arabic, as well as Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, from a young age, under 11 or 12 years old, they learn faster. Our children must have access to the best education,” he added.