Indonesia to revitalize ECE schools for 13-year compulsory education

 The Indonesian government is targeting the revitalization of 3,865 early childhood education (ECE) schools in 2026 to support the implementation of the 13-year compulsory education program.

Director General of Early Childhood, Basic, Non-formal, and Informal Education Gogot Suharwoto said on Tuesday that 2,196 schools have so far been revitalized under the program, with a total budget allocation of Rp909 billion (around US$51 million).

The implementation of the 13-year compulsory education program has begun as a national policy direction under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), he said.

"This means the government is not waiting. Efforts are already underway through the expansion of ECE services and the provision of educational facilities and infrastructure," he added.

To strengthen the readiness of ECE teachers, Gogot said that 13,669 teachers will receive bachelor's degree qualification assistance in the second phase this year.

The recipients comprise 7,563 kindergarten teachers and 6,106 non-formal ECE teachers.

The program provides financial assistance to help ECE teachers who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree or applied bachelor's degree qualification through the Prior Learning Recognition (RPL) scheme.

According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, 6,745 kindergarten teachers received similar assistance in 2025.

Gogot also noted that legal reinforcement for the 13-year compulsory education program, which begins with one year of preschool education, has been incorporated into the draft revision of the National Education System Law.

He said the measure is intended to strengthen the foundation of national education from an early age.

With ECE included in the compulsory education scheme, the state is expected to play a greater role in regulation, funding, and quality assurance.

Indonesia is currently preparing to extend compulsory education from 12 years to 13 years by including one year of preschool education in the national education framework.