Indonesian Ministry Reviewing 13-year Compulsory Education Policy

According to a ministry official, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture is now reviewing a 13-year compulsory education program that will encompass early childhood education.

Warsito, the ministry’s acting deputy for coordination of education quality and religious moderation enhancement, announced on Thursday that early childhood education will be mandatory.

“It is hoped that during the one-year period before elementary school, children will get character education,” he told me.

He stated that early childhood education would be required because youngsters are in their prime during those years.Warsito emphasized the importance of early childhood education in fostering children’s potential abilities and creativity. He stated that throughout the pre-elementary education period, diverse skills should be examined.

“Maybe there are some who are talented in singing, painting, writing, or storytelling,” he told me. “Those are talents that must be explored to gradually see which one stands out.”

Warsito stated that children might receive character education by incorporating Indonesian culture into the national mental revolution program.

He also emphasized the importance of instilling religious values in children during their early infancy years in order to build their morals. “Children should be introduced to worship God in accordance with the beliefs of each family,” he told me.

He stated that students who grasp Christian beliefs will not be influenced by foreign cultures.

The Ministry of National Development Planning’s Draft National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 will accelerate the implementation of 13-year compulsory schooling as part of the development strategy. The 13 years include one year of early childhood education and twelve years of primary and secondary education.