HARIANEXPRESS – Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission X, Esti Wijayati, highlighted critical national education challenges, spanning AI preparedness to teacher deficits. (4/8/2026)
Wijayati emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive education reform in Indonesia to address global changes and improve human resource quality. She noted contemporary challenges like education digitalization and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Indonesia faces major transformations, including digital shifts and AI development. Therefore, education must produce graduates with critical thinking, digital literacy, creativity, collaboration, strong character, and a commitment to lifelong learning, moving beyond mere formal completion.
Esti advocates for education reform to shift its orientation from administrative tasks towards human resource development. This strategic move is crucial for national development, starting with children’s education as the fundamental capital.
“We continue to hear of collapsing school buildings, some even causing fatalities to our children who come to school to seek knowledge. This is an irony if the State does not immediately repair damaged schools,” explained Esti Wijayati.
She further noted the lack of adequate educational infrastructure, forcing children to risk their lives due to nonexistent bridges or proper road access to school. Wijayati urged the government to prioritize 3T (disadvantaged, frontier, outermost) regions and expand access for underprivileged students.
“And immediately realize free elementary-junior high school education, both public and private, which was also a previous Constitutional Court decision,” said the Legislator from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Electoral District.
“Also, flagship programs whose budgets were cut should be restored. For instance, the National Library (Perpusnas) budget for providing books to be distributed to regional libraries, including 3T, must receive adequate budgetary allocation,” Esti Wijayati.
The Vice Chair also raised concerns about the ongoing shortage of educators across various regions. A working visit by the RUU Sisdiknas Commission X DPR working committee to Yogyakarta revealed a deficit of approximately 1,600 teachers.
“We can imagine how dire the conditions are in other regions, especially in 3T areas. Therefore, the Government has no choice but to open formations according to real needs on the ground,” said Esti Wijayati.
Esti then addressed the management of the education budget, referencing a Constitutional Court (MK) decision. This ruling mandates that the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program must be separated from the education budget by the latest in the 2028 State Budget (APBN).
“Semaksimal mungkin diupayakan bisa dilakukan mulai pada tahun anggaran 2027 karena harapan besar bagi dunia pendidikan, kita dapat memperbaiki dan meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan melalui peningkatan SDM (sumber daya manusia),” papar Esti Wijayati.
“Mulai dari perbaikan kualitas pendidik, tenaga pendidik, siswa, mahasiswa dan lain-lain. Juga agar sarana prasarana lebih memadai, kesejahteraan guru, dosen serta tenaga pendidik yang lebih baik, merata, dan bermutu untuk semua,” she continued.
