In a statement released in Jakarta on Friday, Fajar said school principals are expected to have a clear vision, adapt to changing circumstances, and foster collaboration with teachers and education personnel to create a high-quality learning environment.
He said demographic changes, the persistently high number of out-of-school children, and evolving challenges in education delivery require every educational institution in Indonesia to continuously improve.
To address these challenges, the ministry is encouraging schools to place quality improvement at the center of their development efforts.
"The era of pursuing quantity is behind us. Now is the time to focus on quality. Every educational institution must have a vision to continuously improve learning quality, strengthen governance, and foster a better learning culture," Fajar said.
He added that, alongside effective school leadership, teacher quality remains a critical factor in improving education standards.
The government, he said, continues to strengthen teachers' competencies through various policies and capacity-building programs to ensure they keep pace with advances in science and technology while meeting the evolving needs of students.
Fajar also highlighted the persistently high number of out-of-school children, particularly in West Java, one of the provinces with the largest out-of-school populations in the country.
According to him, addressing the issue requires the active involvement of all stakeholders to ensure more children regain access to education.
"Education should not rely solely on the formal system. All educational pathways must be optimized so that children who have not yet received educational services can return to learning in ways that meet their needs," he said.
To expand access to education, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to develop various learning services, including non-formal education and distance learning (PJJ), enabling education to reach learners from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Fajar added that private educational institutions also play a strategic role in addressing these challenges.
The government, he said, will continue strengthening collaboration with community-based education providers to expand successful education initiatives across the country.
Related news: Prabowo pledges major investment in education, research
Translator: Hana, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
