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Menko PMK Finalizes No-Cost Education Scheme for Religious-based Educational Institutions

This article was translated by AI. Read the original article on Kompas.com. See Original

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Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Sugiono at the Menko PMK office, Central Jakarta, on Monday (5/10/2026).(KOMPAS.com/FIRDA JANATI)

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Sugiono is finalizing plans for a cost-free education policy aimed at religious-based educational institutions.

This scheme targets three main clusters of basic and secondary religious education in the underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions (3T), expanding access to Religious Higher Education Institutions (PTKN) through the elimination of Single Tuition Fees (UKT) and increasing the quotas for the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) for higher education.

"We must align our perspectives that this free education initiative is designed comprehensively, embracing both general and religious education equally," Sugiono stated during a press briefing on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

Sugiono emphasized that the cost-free education policy must be implemented with careful budget calculations.

"The primary goal of this additional allocation is to significantly reduce parents' financial burdens regarding essential student needs that have not been covered by schools," he asserted.

In drafting an implementation roadmap, the Menko PMK is currently evaluating various financing scenarios in line with the nation's fiscal capacity.

These scenarios examine proposals to augment the School Operational Assistance (BOS) components, such as support for uniforms and dormitory schools, along with expanding the targets of the Indonesia Smart Program (PIP).

Furthermore, Sugiono stressed the importance of equity for educators.

He instructed that each financing scenario be detailed with measurable components, particularly concerning teachers' salaries and welfare.

"Each financing scenario must be clearly detailed, covering everything from BOS funds, KIP for higher education, to educators' rights," said the Gerindra Party politician.

Therefore, identifying the status and distribution of civil servant teachers in both public and private educational institutions is essential.

"This will serve as our database to map out equitable financing for educators," Sugiono concluded.