Lawmaker calls for measurable quality improvements in education system

hartono · May 3, 2026

Deputy chairperson of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Kurniasih Mufidayati. (ANTARA/HO-Public relation of DPR RI)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - An Indonesian lawmaker urged more targeted, measurable, and sustainable improvements in education quality as the nation commemorated National Education Day on Saturday.

“National Education Day must be a moment of reflection as well as a starting point for concrete reforms. Education is the foundation of the nation’s future, and we must not compromise on its quality,” Deputy Chairperson of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) Kurniasih Mufidayati said in a statement.

She acknowledged the government’s achievements in policy reforms and education programs, but stressed that challenges remain.

Citing Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data, she noted that the national average for mean years of schooling in 2025 stood at 8.85 years—still below the target of 12 years of compulsory education.

The 2025 National Assessment also showed that around 50 percent of Indonesian students had not reached minimum competency in literacy and numeracy, highlighting persistent gaps in learning quality.

“This is not just a statistic, but a reflection of real challenges we must address together. Access to education must be improved, but the quality of learning must also be a primary focus,” she emphasized.

Mufidayati called for comprehensive efforts, including strengthening teacher capacity, updating curricula, and ensuring equitable distribution of facilities and infrastructure.

She also underlined the importance of effective oversight of the education budget, which accounts for 20 percent of the state budget.

She further urged evaluation of key policies, including zoning regulations, child protection in schools, and the welfare of teachers—particularly contract teachers.