November 29, 2025 | 03:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has promised to double the budget for school rehabilitation in 2026 after acknowledging that the government had only been able to improve around 16,000 schools this year.
He made this promise during his speech at the peak of the National Teachers' Day Celebration (HGN) 2025 at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, on Friday, November 28, 2025. "As the president, I apologize, I was only able to allocate funds for 16,000 schools. But next year, I am determined to double that," said Prabowo.
During his speech, he immediately asked the Cabinet Secretary to announce the target for next year's rehabilitation. "At least 60,000," said the Chair of the Gerindra Party. He then added that the figure could be increased if the budget allowed for it.
Prabowo also claimed that this year, the education budget was the largest allocation in the state budget, exceeding 20 percent as mandated by law. With the budget he referred to as the largest portion, He emphasized that it should not be misappropriated by regional or central officials.
"Do not let the education budget be misappropriated. No corruption. We need every rupiah for teachers and schools," he said, while warning officials who attempt to manipulate the cost of educational projects.
In addition to the physical rehabilitation of schools, Prabowo outlined that the government is currently distributing interactive screens to all schools. Based on the latest data received, over 200,000 units have been delivered to schools, with a target to reach 288,000 schools by December 2025 or January 2026.
However, Prabowo also emphasized that many basic infrastructure needs remain unmet, particularly the construction of bridges that would provide children with access to schools. He referred to a video report about students in areas who have to cross rivers every day.
"We need to build 300,000 bridges. I cannot bear to see children risking their lives to go to school," said Prabowo. He stated that civil engineering students, the military, and the police will be mobilized to expedite the construction of small bridges in remote areas.
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