Zulhas: Quality Education Must Not Become a Luxury
Quality education must not become a luxury. It should not only belong to those born in large cities or wealthy families.
he Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, emphasised that quality education must not be a luxury accessible only to urban populations or affluent families. Speaking at the launch of the National PANSar Murah Movement and the 28th Anniversary of PAN in Jakarta on Friday (18/9), Zulkifli Hasan stated, "Quality education must not become a luxury. It must not only belong to those born in large cities or wealthy families."Zulkifli noted that access to quality education is vital for preparing the younger generation who will lead Indonesia as the nation approaches its centenary in 2045. He asserted that there must be no discrimination in education, as it is a fundamental right of every citizen and a mandate to intellectually enrich the nation.
“There must be no discrimination in education. Education is a right to advance the nation’s intellectual life,” he said. According to him, education must be capable of building a young generation that is superior, intelligent, innovative, creative, and independent.
During the event, Zulkifli highlighted the high costs of education through independent tracks at state universities (PTN). “Many young people are enrolling in state universities. The fees are expensive, Sir. The independent tracks are expensive,” he remarked.
“Please, Sir, convey their aspirations regarding these high fees so that we can, if possible, correct them. Because the hopes of our young people are certainly within our state campuses,” he added.
Zulkifli also expressed support for the Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda Transformasi programmes as part of the efforts to expand educational access. “That is why we support Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda Transformasi. We want the youth of Indonesia not just to be spectators of global change, but to be the actors. Young, empowered, and transforming Indonesia,” he concluded.