Indonesia’s Education System: Progress and Challenges in 2024

Indonesia, April 2025 – Indonesia has made significant strides in improving access to education, but challenges in quality, equity, and infrastructure persist, according to recent reports from global and national institutions.

Key Developments in Indonesia’s Education Sector

1.       Increased Enrollment but Learning Crisis Remains

• The World Bank (2023) reports that Indonesia has achieved near-universal primary school enrollment, with a net enrollment rate of 94% for elementary schools.
• However, learning outcomes remain low. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 ranked Indonesia 6th lowest out of 81 countries in reading, math, and science.

2.       Digital Divide and Remote Learning Challenges

• UNICEF (2023) highlights that 1 in 3 Indonesian children in rural areas lack adequate internet access, hindering digital learning.
• The Ministry of Education (Kemendikbudristek, 2024) reports that only 65% of schools   outside Java have proper digital facilities.

3.       Government Initiatives to Improve Quality  

• The   Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) program , launched in 2020, aims to reform curricula and teacher training.
• World Bank (2024) notes that Indonesia has increased education spending to 20% of the national budget, focusing on teacher upskilling and school infrastructure.

4.       Disparities Between Urban and Rural Areas

• A 2023 UNESCO report found that children in Papua and East Nusa Tenggara have 40% lower literacy rates compared to Jakarta and Bali.
• The Ministry of Education (2024) acknowledges that teacher shortages in remote areas remain a critical issue.

 

Expert Opinions

• UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman states: "While Indonesia has expanded education access, ensuring quality learning for all children, especially in marginalized areas, must be the next priority."
• World Bank Education Specialist Noah Yarrow adds: "Investing in teacher training and technology integration is key to bridging the learning gap."  

 

Indonesia’s education system shows progress in accessibility but faces persistent challenges in quality and equity. Continued investment in digital infrastructure, teacher capacity, and rural education is crucial for long-term improvement.