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Teachers

Indonesia's Education Ministry Proposes Funding Boost for 2026

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Indonesia's Education Ministry, led by Basic and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti, has unveiled proposals to enhance education funding in 2026. As part of the plans, the ministry aims to raise the monthly stipends for contract teachers from Rp300,000 to Rp500,000 (approximately USD19 to USD32) and extend the Indonesia Smart Program to kindergartens. The proposal has gained support from the House of Representatives' Commission X, which oversees education policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Education Ministry proposes increasing the monthly stipend for contract teachers from Rp300,000 to Rp500,000 (approximately USD19 to USD32) starting next year.
  • The ministry aims to expand the Indonesia Smart Program to kindergartens, with each student receiving Rp450,000 (approximately USD29) annually, starting this year.
  • The number of kindergarten recipients will be adjusted based on the budget allocation agreed upon with Commission X.
  • The ministry proposes allocating an additional Rp14.4 trillion (approximately USD918 million) in funding for 2026, bringing the total budget to Rp55 trillion (approximately USD3.56 billion).
  • The current budget ceiling is insufficient to cover all planned programs and activities for 2026, leaving many programs unfunded.
  • The Education Ministry will allocate funds for contract teachers, with the proposed raise in stipends aimed at improving teacher welfare.

Statistics:

  • Rp300,000 (approximately USD19) - current monthly stipend for contract teachers.
  • Rp500,000 (approximately USD32) - proposed monthly stipend for contract teachers.
  • Rp450,000 (approximately USD29) - annual allocation per student for the Indonesia Smart Program.
  • Rp14.4 trillion (approximately USD918 million) - proposed additional funding for 2026.
  • Rp55 trillion (approximately USD3.56 billion) - total budget ceiling for 2026.
  • 500,000 - number of kindergarten recipients expected to benefit from the expanded Indonesia Smart Program.

Sources:

  • Antara News Agency, Jakarta, 28 Aug 2025
  • Translator: Fathur R./Mentari D.
  • Editor: Rahmad Nasution
  • Copyright ANTARA 2025

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