Indonesia Sets Course for Nationwide Implementation of Integrated Excellent Schools Model: Comprehensive Strategy to Elevate Educational Standards Across the Nation

Indonesia Plans Nationwide Rollout of Integrated Excellent Schools Starting 2026

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is moving forward with plans to develop a network of integrated Excellent schools throughout the nation, following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto. the ambitious program, announced during a recent Cabinet Plenary Session, seeks to revolutionize access to quality education and foster a more skilled workforce.

Presidential Directive Drives New Educational Initiative

President Subianto instructed the Ministry to conceptualize these non-boarding Integrated Excellent Schools, which will uniquely combine elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels within a single campus. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti confirmed that, despite the program’s launch not being immediate, the ministry has already commenced preliminary concept development. He stated during a media briefing in Central Jakarta on Wednesday evening that although formal instructions haven’t been delivered, planning is underway.

The initiative signals a commitment to comprehensive educational reform, building upon existing efforts to improve Indonesia’s education system. According to UNESCO data from November 2023,Indonesia’s primary school enrollment rate is approximately 99%,but secondary enrollment lags behind,highlighting a critical need for improved accessibility and quality at higher levels.

School Model and Implementation Details

The plan aims for at least one Integrated Excellent School to be established in every sub-district across Indonesia. Though detailed technical discussions are still forthcoming, the Ministry is currently evaluating existing school models as benchmarks. Minister Mu’ti cited the Integrated Excellent School in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, as a particularly promising example, noting its Cambridge curriculum and comprehensive facilities.

currently, the Ministry is prioritizing curriculum development, teacher recruitment, and academic planning. Issues regarding land acquisition and infrastructure provisions, potentially involving local governments, will be addressed in subsequent phases. the possibility of incorporating existing under-enrolled schools into the new network is also under consideration.

Did You Know? The Indonesian government invested approximately $1.8 billion in education infrastructure in 2023, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Timeline and Inter-Ministerial Collaboration

President Subianto announced the intention to begin construction of approximately 7,000 Integrated Excellent Schools starting in 2026. To facilitate this large-scale project, a dedicated inter-ministerial task force will be formed, involving the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and innovation, alongside the Ministry of Primary and secondary Education, and potentially other relevant ministries.

This collaborative approach underscores the government’s recognition of the multifaceted nature of educational advancement. The program aims not just to expand access but also to ensure equitable opportunities and to strengthen human resource development nationwide.

Key Program Element	Details
Program Name	Integrated Excellent Schools
Target Launch Date	2026
School Levels	Elementary,Junior High,and Senior High
Target Coverage	At least one school per sub-district
Lead Ministry	Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Pro Tip: Investing in education is consistently linked to long-term economic growth and social development. Read more about the correlation on the World Bank’s website.

Will this initiative significantly improve educational outcomes across Indonesia? how will the integration of different school levels impact student learning experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The importance of Integrated Education

The concept of integrated schools is gaining traction globally as educators and policymakers recognize the benefits of a unified learning habitat. By combining different age groups and educational levels, integrated schools can foster a sense of community, facilitate peer learning, and streamline the transition between educational stages. This approach also allows for more efficient resource allocation and curriculum coordination, leading to a more holistic and effective educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Integrated Excellent Schools

Share your opinion! What impact do you foresee for these new schools on Indonesia’s future? Leave a comment below!

How might the phased implementation of the IESM (Pilot, Regional Expansion, Nationwide Adoption) affect the equity of educational opportunities across different regions of Indonesia?

The Core of the Integrated Excellent Schools Model

Indonesia is embarking on a significant national initiative: the widespread adoption of the Integrated Excellent Schools Model (IESM). This isn’t simply a cosmetic change; its a fundamental restructuring of the educational landscape, aiming to dramatically improve the quality of education from primary through secondary levels. The IESM focuses on a holistic approach, integrating curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and school management. Key components include:

* Curriculum Alignment: Standardizing core subjects across the archipelago while allowing for regional cultural adaptation. This ensures a baseline level of knowledge for all indonesian students.

* teacher Professional Advancement: A nationwide program to upskill teachers in modern pedagogical techniques, including technology integration and differentiated instruction.

* Infrastructure Enhancement: Investing in modern school facilities,including libraries,laboratories,and internet connectivity,especially in underserved regions.

* Community Involvement: Fostering stronger partnerships between schools, parents, and local communities to create a supportive learning environment.

* Digital Literacy Focus: Integrating digital skills into the curriculum to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

Key Pillars of the National Strategy

The implementation isn’t happening overnight. The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has outlined a phased approach, prioritizing schools based on need and readiness. The strategy rests on several key pillars:

1. Pilot Programs (2023-2024): Initial implementation in select schools across various provinces to test the model and gather data. These pilot schools serve as learning labs for best practices.
2. Regional Expansion (2024-2026): Gradual rollout to more schools within each province, building on the lessons learned from the pilot programs.
3. Nationwide Adoption (2026-2028): full-scale implementation across all public and private schools in Indonesia.
4. Continuous Monitoring & Evaluation: A robust system for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and making necessary adjustments to the model. This includes regular assessments of student learning outcomes and teacher performance.

Addressing Challenges in Indonesian Education

The IESM directly tackles long-standing challenges within the Indonesian education system. These include:

* Regional Disparities: Significant differences in educational quality between urban and rural areas. The IESM aims to level the playing field by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities.

* Teacher Quality: A need for ongoing professional development to ensure teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality instruction.

* Curriculum Relevance: Ensuring the curriculum is aligned with the needs of the labor market and prepares students for future careers. Vocational training and skills development are key areas of focus.

* Infrastructure Gaps: many schools lack basic infrastructure, hindering the learning process. The IESM prioritizes infrastructure improvements.

* Access to Technology: Limited access to technology in many schools, particularly in remote areas. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide through increased investment in technology and internet connectivity.

The Role of Technology in the IESM

Technology is not merely an add-on; it’s integral to the IESM. The plan envisions:

* Learning Management Systems (LMS): Implementing LMS platforms to facilitate online learning,track student progress,and provide personalized learning experiences.

* Digital Libraries: Providing access to a vast collection of digital resources, including e-books, journals, and educational videos.

* Interactive Whiteboards & Smart Classrooms: Equipping classrooms with interactive technology to enhance engagement and collaboration.

* online Teacher Training: Delivering professional development programs online to reach a wider audience of teachers.

* Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to identify student learning gaps and inform instructional decisions. EdTech solutions are being actively explored.

Benefits of the Integrated Excellent Schools Model

the potential benefits of the IESM are far-reaching:

* Improved Student Learning Outcomes: A more rigorous and relevant curriculum, coupled with better teacher training and resources, is expected to lead to significant improvements in student achievement.

* Increased graduation Rates: By addressing the root causes of student dropout, the IESM aims to increase graduation rates and provide more Indonesians with access to higher education and employment opportunities.

* Enhanced Workforce Readiness: A focus on skills development and vocational training will prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

* Reduced Inequality: By leveling the playing field and providing equitable access to education, the IESM can definitely help reduce social and economic inequality.

* Economic Growth: A more educated and skilled workforce will contribute to economic growth and development.

Case