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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesia's Education Ministry Urges Regional Governments to Partner with Private Schools Amidst Limited State School Capacity

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Indonesia's Ministry of Education faces limited capacity in state high schools, prompting a call for regional governments to partner with private institutions.
  • Approximately 7,500 out of 12,000 junior high graduates in Balikpapan can be accommodated in state schools, with the remainder expected to attend private schools.
  • The ministry also emphasized the importance of safe and comfortable school environments, urging adherence to guidelines against bullying and violence during orientation periods.

Indonesia's Ministry of Education is urging regional governments to collaborate with private schools to address the persistent challenge of limited enrollment capacity in state high schools. The issue is particularly acute during the new student admission process, where many junior high graduates struggle to find spots in public institutions.

Fajar Riza Ul Haq, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, highlighted the need for local administrations to go beyond relying solely on state schools. He stressed that regional governments must ensure all students have access to education, whether through public or private facilities. In Balikpapan, for example, only about 7,500 of the 12,000 junior high graduates can be accommodated in state high schools, leaving the rest to seek admission in private schools.

The regional government must ensure that every child gets the right to education, whether through public or private schools.

— Fajar Riza Ul HaqDeputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, explaining the need for collaboration between public and private schools.

The ministry views the partnership between regional governments and private schools as a key solution to expanding educational access. Ul Haq commended Balikpapan's initiative in involving private schools in the admission process, which has helped more students secure places. During his visit to SMA Negeri 5 Balikpapan, he observed that the admission process was proceeding smoothly, with staff ready to assist prospective students and their parents.

Beyond admissions, Ul Haq reminded schools to conduct their introductory programs, known as Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Satuan Pendidikan (MPLS), in line with ministry guidelines. He specifically called for vigilance against bullying and violence, emphasizing the goal of fostering a secure and comfortable school ecosystem for all students, as outlined in Ministry Regulation No. 6 of 2024.

We hope our children grow in a safe and comfortable school ecosystem in accordance with Ministry Regulation No. 6 of 2024.

— Fajar Riza Ul HaqDeputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, emphasizing the importance of a safe school environment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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