Padang (ANTARA) - The Indonesian parliament is revising the National Education System (Sisdiknas) Law to extend compulsory education from 12 to 13 years.

This initiative was revealed by Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chair of Commission X at the House of Representatives (DPR), on Tuesday.

“Our goal in amending the Sisdiknas Law is to establish 13 years of compulsory education, starting from kindergarten or early childhood education through senior high school,” she said.

She noted that the ongoing discussions in parliament align with a recent Constitutional Court (MK) ruling that obliges the government to provide free education at both public and private elementary and junior high schools.

Commission X is proposing a more ambitious target than the current nine-year requirement upheld by the MK, aiming for a full 13 years of free and compulsory education.

Backing the court's decision, Sjaifudian said the move is intended to ensure that all Indonesian children can access quality education, regardless of their family's income or location.

She also pointed out that the ruling could allow more students to attend private schools without the burden of tuition fees — a significant concern in Indonesia, where private institutions often charge more than public schools and admission to public schools can be highly competitive.

However, Sjaifudian cautioned that the free education mandate may not apply to all private schools.

“I don't think it should apply to premium private schools, as parents generally choose them based on preference,” she said.

She recommended that the government prioritize subsidized private schools when implementing the ruling.

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Translator: Muhammad Z, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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