September 22, 2026 | 01:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained President Prabowo Subianto's goal of providing free education in Indonesia from elementary school through university. According to him, Prabowo is pushing for equal access to education for all Indonesian children.
"Every Indonesian child, regardless of their family or background, has the right to receive a decent education and the same opportunities to build their future," said Teddy in a press release quoted on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
In addition to making state education free, Teddy stated that the government is taking several steps to ensure equal access to education. He added that the government is constantly repairing damaged schools and educational facilities so children can study in safe, decent environments.
Teddy said that improving teachers’ welfare and salaries is an important part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of national education. He mentioned that the government had previously taken steps to develop teachers' competencies.
According to Teddy, President Prabowo believes developing the nation’s human resources is an important investment for its future. That's why he wants to improve education in the country. "Because Indonesia's future begins in the classrooms today," he said.
President Prabowo Subianto previously said he wants education, from public elementary schools to state universities, to be free. "I will soon hold a national meeting or at least the cost of public education must be free. The cost of public education for elementary, junior high, senior high, and state universities must be free," he said at the JCC, Jakarta, on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Prabowo said the budget for free education could be taken from funds seized from corruptors. The embezzled funds must be returned and used for the benefit of the people. "Later, later, later someone will ask, 'Where will the money come from?' The money comes from corruption, from theft," he said.
Read: The Running Mates Prabowo Is Considering for 2029
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
KIKA Criticizes Prabowo's Speech as Hostile Toward Intellectuals
6 jam lalu
Prabowo's remarks convey an attack on academic freedom.
The Running Mates Prabowo Is Considering for 2029
11 jam lalu
Volunteers heard reports of a possible split between Prabowo and Jokowi-Gibran. People close to Prabowo could become his running mate in 2029 election
Changing the President's Cashier
1 hari lalu
Replacing the Finance Minister does not guarantee more technocratic fiscal management. The root of the problem lies with Prabowo.
PVRI: Prabowo's Expert Remarks Signal Anti-Science Stance
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto launched insults at experts whom he accused of lacking honesty.
West Kalimantan Residents Sue Prabowo over Forest Fires
2 hari lalu
West Kalimantan residents are demanding that Prabowo's government declare the forest fires a national disaster.
Indonesia to Develop Gasoline from Coal, Prabowo Says
2 hari lalu
President Prabowo plans to develop gasoline from coal in a bid to reduce Indonesia's reliance on imported fuel.
Prabowo Says Food, Energy Self-Reliance Strengthen Indonesia
2 hari lalu
Prabowo says food and energy self-reliance are essential for Indonesia to reduce dependence on other countries and strengthen national resilience.
Prabowo Says Indonesia Must Get Stronger to Help Palestine
2 hari lalu
Prabowo said the ongoing attacks faced by the Palestinian people should encourage Indonesia to build its national strength.
Today's Top 3 News: Malaysia Offers Indonesia Help to Combat Forest Fires
2 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Prabowo: Major Economic Powers Aim to HIjack Democracy
3 hari lalu
Prabowo accuses those who want to hijack democracy of using money to bribe officials.
