Indonesia moves to provide free public schooling from kindergarten through university

President Prabowo Subianto directed the government to provide free education at public schools starting from kindergarten and continuing through secondary levels, followed by a staged introduction of tuition-free places at state universities. The proposal, first presented at a National Mandate Party anniversary, is now being fleshed out by ministers at the Presidential Palace. It builds on current schemes like the Smart Indonesia Program for primary and secondary students and the KIP Kuliah card for low-income university entrants, shifting from selective aid to universal funding of public institutions.

The 2027 draft budget earmarks Rp820.9 trillion for improving learning quality, facilities, teacher welfare and technology, while also supporting programs such as Sekolah Rakyat for poor families. Officials warn that removing fees alone is insufficient; the state must ensure schools are properly staffed and equipped. Higher education enrollment remains low, especially in rural areas, so the tuition-free initiative aims to remove financial barriers while maintaining academic standards.