"In the context of state budget management and in accordance with President Joko Widodo`s priorities, the development of human resources is a main priority in allocating the state budget fund," the minister noted during the presentation of the Habibie Award here on Tuesday.
The Indonesian government has committed to allocating 20 percent of the state budget to the education sector since the reform movement was launched nearly two decades ago, she noted.
Budget allocations for the education sector had reached Rp440 trillion in 2018, and the figure is expected to increase to nearly Rp500 trillion next year.
Part of the education budget is allocated for the sovereign wealth fund to finance college students` scholarships through the Educational Fund Management Institute, among others.
Sri Mulyani said the number of college students receiving the scholarships has reached more than 18 thousand. Of the total, some seven thousand students had completed their study, while the rest are still studying.
"The fund includes Rp55 trillion for community groups that deserve higher attention next year," she remarked.
President Joko Widodo has ordered the allocation of budget fund to strengthen educational institutions, researchers, and other segments, including Islamic boarding schools under the purview of the Religious Affairs Ministry.
Reporting by Calvin Basuki
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
