DPR still receiving input for National Education System Bill

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) remains open to receiving further input on the draft National Education System Bill (RUU Sisdiknas), according to Wakil Ketua Komisi X DPR Lalu Hadrian Irfani. He stated that the draft, currently undergoing harmonization in the Legislation Body, is not yet final. The commission is receptive to various suggestions, including the possibility of revisiting certain provisions within the bill related to education. Irfani confirmed that the DPR is open to adopting future court decisions concerning the judicial review of the State Budget Law (UU APBN) that impacts the financing of the "free nutritious meal" (MBG) project. However, he cautioned against making premature assumptions before the Constitutional Court issues a legally binding ruling. The DPR encourages the public to continue providing strategic input on the RUU Sisdiknas, emphasizing its ongoing openness to discuss urgent suggestions or necessary accommodations. Civil society groups, academics, and students have filed a judicial review against the State Budget Law, arguing that Article 22, paragraph (3), and its explanation unlawfully allocate portions of the education budget for the MBG project. This provision states that the education budget exceeds Rp 769 trillion, or 20% of the total state budget. However, the explanation indicates that part of this fund is earmarked for the MBG project. Based on Presidential Regulation No. 188 of 2025, Rp 223 trillion of the education budget is allocated to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). This allocation allegedly violates the mandatory spending of at least 20% for education, leaving only about 14% for actual educational purposes. Furthermore, the inclusion of the MBG project in the education budget negatively impacts teachers' careers and welfare. Iman Zanatul Haeri, Head of Advocacy at P2G, stated that the MBG project has undermined the welfare of educators, leading to mass layoffs of contract teachers, PPPK (government contract employees), and part-time PPPK. He cited examples of 39 PPPK teachers being terminated in Tuban and similar incidents in Cianjur, Lombok Timur, and other regions. The project also reportedly reduces income for teachers, particularly part-time PPPK.

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The RUU Sisdiknas is still open to receiving input, whether it concerns articles, the body of the text, and so on.