Minister Suharso Monoarfa Reveals Challenges in Education Development in Indonesia
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa revealed a number of challenges in the development of education in Indonesia in a National Seminar with the theme Challenges in Improving the Quality of Education in Remote Areas, Saturday (24/August 2024).
Minister Suharso opened his presentation by revealing that the average length of schooling is currently recorded at 9.13 years, which is equivalent to a junior high school graduate, while the expected length of schooling is at 13.15 years.
The difference between these figures reflects the gap between the current state of education and the expected target. In addition, Minister Suharso highlighted the decline in Indonesia’s score in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) over the last three periods.
According to him, Indonesia’s PISA score is still below the average of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.
Furthermore, Minister Suharso identified significant disparities in high school education participation in different regions. For example, Central Buton Regency has a participation rate of 113.96%, while in South Buton it is only 71%.
This stark difference, he said, signalled the inequality of access to education across regions, which posed a serious challenge to education equity in Indonesia.
In facing these challenges, Minister Suharso emphasised several strategic steps that are being implemented. Firstly, the acceleration of 13 years of compulsory education is the main focus, which includes 1 year of pre-school followed by 12 years of primary and secondary education.
This is supported by the allocation and utilisation of the education budget, which is set at 20% of the state budget. This effort is expected to improve the coverage and quality of education in all regions.
Secondly, Minister Suharso emphasised the importance of increasing participation in higher education and producing qualified graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM). The utilisation of education endowment funds is one of the strategic steps to support the improvement of the quality of higher education in Indonesia.
In addition, Minister Suharso also proposed the restructuring of education management authority with a focus on centralising teacher management. This step is expected to improve the effectiveness and quality of teaching throughout the country.
In his closing remarks, Minister Suharso Monoarfa emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, society and the education sector to jointly overcome challenges and ensure every child in Indonesia has access to quality and equitable education.
Source: Bappenas
