Prabowo pushes free public education from elementary school through state universities nationwide.
President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for free public education from elementary school through state university, with the government preparing to discuss the proposal further.
Prabowo Wants Public Education Free
President Prabowo Subianto said he wants public education from elementary school through state university to be free. Speaking at the Jakarta Convention Center on September 18, 2026, Prabowo said public elementary, junior high and senior high schools, as well as state universities, should be free.
National Meeting Planned to Discuss Policy
Prabowo said he would soon convene a meeting to discuss the proposal. The reports describe free public education as a government goal that is still being developed, rather than a nationwide system that has already taken effect. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the broader objective is to ensure Indonesian children have equal opportunities to receive proper education regardless of their family or background.
Recovered Corruption Funds Proposed as Funding
Prabowo suggested that money recovered from corruption cases could help finance free education. He said funds stolen through corruption should be returned and used for public benefit, presenting recovered state assets as one possible source for supporting the education proposal.
Government Also Targets Schools and Teachers
Teddy said the government’s education agenda extends beyond eliminating costs. He pointed to continued repairs of damaged schools and education facilities so students can study in safer and more adequate environments, while improvements to teacher welfare, salaries, and competencies are also part of efforts to strengthen education quality.
Equal Access Drives Education Push
According to Teddy, Prabowo views investment in Indonesia’s human resources as important to the country’s future. The administration is therefore presenting free state education, improved facilities, and stronger teacher support as interconnected measures aimed at expanding access and giving children more equal educational opportunities.
For Indonesians, the proposal could represent a significant change in how public education costs are approached if it moves from government discussions into implementation. For Singaporean readers following developments in neighboring Indonesia, the initiative provides insight into one of the education priorities being advanced by the Prabowo administration.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , Kompas (2026)
Keywords: Indonesia Free Education, Prabowo Education Policy, Free State Universities, Public Education Indonesia, Education Access, Indonesian Universities
