Prabowo Targets Free Education at All State Schools in Indonesia

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the government will strive to ensure all state schools in Indonesia are free of charge. He made the remarks during his speech at the DPR RI Plenary Session and the Submission of the 2027 State Budget Draft (RAPBN) at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8).

"The government will also fight for all state schools to be free of charge. This is the aspiration of our nation’s founders: education is the right of all Indonesian children," Prabowo said. He then suggested that those with the financial means could attend private schools. "For those who have the ability, please go to excellent private schools. But for the government, we must fight so that our children can attend school for free," he added.

Prabowo also pledged to add three new interactive flat panels (IFPs) to every school in Indonesia. Each school is targeted to have a total of four classrooms equipped with the technology. "By the end of this year, whereas last year they only received one, all schools in Indonesia will have four rooms with IFPs. These IFPs will make it easier for teachers and students to learn and teach. We will also implement long-distance learning, via remote broadcasts," Prabowo said.

In his speech, Prabowo also revealed the government’s commitment to renovating schools. "We will complete the renovation of all schools requiring repair by 2029 at the latest. For me, the state is obliged to ensure every Indonesian child studies in a safe and dignified school. School is where Indonesian children build their future," Prabowo stated.