Jakarta – The school revitalization program is now a national priority for the government in an effort to improve the quality of education equitably throughout Indonesia. The primary focus is on underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, as well as schools with critical facilities and infrastructure.
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has made a breakthrough in the education sector by increasing the number of schools eligible for renovations to 60,000 by 2026. This figure is a sharp increase from the initial 11,700 schools planned in the state budget. With this addition, the government’s total target reaches 71,700 schools.
Habib Syarief Muhammad, a member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), expressed his support for President Prabowo’s instruction. He believes the policy addresses the real needs of educational conditions on the ground.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that many school buildings are still damaged, even endangering the safety of students and teachers,” Habib Syarief stressed.
He explained that infrastructure is the primary foundation of education. It’s impossible to produce a superior generation if the teaching and learning process takes place under a leaking roof or cracked floor.
He also emphasized the importance of transparency and equity, especially for schools in the 3T (frontier and remote) regions, which often escape central government attention. “Commission X will continue to monitor this program to ensure it reaches its intended target. This is a long-term investment for the nation’s future,” he added.
On January 19, 2026, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) inaugurated eight schools under the revitalization program for educational units in the 3T (third-most remote) region, namely Sebatik Island, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This inauguration demonstrates the government’s commitment to implementing this program seriously.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Atip Latipulhayat explained that Sebatik Island is one of the outermost small islands that directly borders Malaysia.
“One important component is the availability of adequate educational facilities that meet the requirements for creating safe, comfortable schools that support effective learning,” said Atip.