Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto's pledge for free public education is targeted to be fully realized by 2028, according to Said Abdullah, the chair of the House of Representatives (DPR) Budget Agency.

Said said the government earmarked Rp5 trillion for the pilot project across primary and junior high schools. "Our commitment is [realizing the program] by 2028," he said at the parliament complex on September 24, 2026.

Said explained that the free education program from primary school to university levels nationwide would require about Rp300 trillion. "Preliminary calculations for primary school, junior high, and senior high schools total around Rp210 trillion, and for universities, Rp92 trillion. Meaning, the budget required would reach Rp300-302 trillion," he said.

Meanwhile, the pilot project would prioritize primary and secondary schools across underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions.

The program would also be implemented in a gradual manner to avoid issues involving governance. "Let's say in 2028 we will implement about 60 to 70 percent of the program, and in the following year, in 2029, it could be 100 percent. I want to be realistic," he said.

According to him, a comprehensive study is necessary to calculate the budget requirements per student, including the status of public schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

President Prabowo Subianto announced that he would make education free for public schools and university while speaking at the 28th anniversary of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Prabowo said the funding for free education could come from funds embezzled by corruptors, which he said must be returned and used for the benefit of the community.

– Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2120275/indonesia-aims-to-realize-free-education-bid-by-202