Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has proposed allocating up to Rp761 trillion (over US$46 billion) for education in the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN).

“In 2026, the education budget is estimated to reach between Rp727 trillion and Rp761 trillion,” said Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati during a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday.

The session was held to discuss the government's macroeconomic framework and fiscal policy guidelines for the 2026 RAPBN.

The proposed education budget aims to deliver high-quality, competitive educational services. Key initiatives include strengthening top-performing and community-based schools, improving infrastructure, and increasing enrollment in early childhood and higher education.

Next year, the government will prioritize improving the quality of teaching staff and expanding vocational education programs. These efforts are expected to enhance both access to and the quality of education, aligning learning outcomes with labor market demands.

The proposed 2026 education budget surpasses the Rp724.3 trillion allocated for education in 2025.

Of this year’s education budget, Rp297.2 trillion is allocated through central government spending. This includes support for the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), which benefits 20.4 million students, the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP Kuliah) for 1.1 million university students, and allowances for 477,700 non-civil servant teachers.

Meanwhile, Rp347.1 trillion is distributed through transfers to regional governments. These funds support the School Operational Assistance (BOS) program, salaries for civil servant and contract teachers, and revitalization of educational facilities.

An additional Rp80 trillion is allocated through the Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), funding degree and non-degree scholarships, inter-ministerial partnership programs, and research grants.

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Translator: Imamatul, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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