“The best investment goes beyond infrastructure to human quality. Education is key to Golden Indonesia 2045, and we are committed to equitable access, including in remote regions,” he said in Pontianak on Sunday.
Norsan said the province’s Human Development Index stands at 72.09, reflecting steady progress in improving quality of life.
To ease costs, the government subsidized tuition for about 21,000 students at 274 high schools in 2025, including vocational and special schools.
“I do not want any child to drop out due to financial constraints. Education is a right for all residents,” he said.
The program is supported by efforts to provide free internet access in schools to expand digital learning and improve service quality.
“We aim to use digitalization to bridge distances and ensure equal access to knowledge across regions,” he said.
However, Norsan acknowledged many children in the province still lack access to formal education.
He said the government has launched a village-based program to identify out-of-school children and link them to support initiatives.
The administration is also expanding equivalency education for workers, strengthening leading schools, and developing creative learning spaces.
Norsan said the province aims to raise its HDI to around 75 through these initiatives.
“Education is the foundation of development. Strong cross-sector collaboration is essential to improve public welfare,” he said.
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Translator: Rendra O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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