Bincang Pendidikan: Episode 4 – Thirteen Years of Compulsory Education: Are We Ready?

Compulsory education is not only about parents’ obligation to send their children to school, but also a commitment by the Government to ensure equitable access to quality education for all Indonesian children. The National Education System Law (UU Sisdiknas) mandates nine years of compulsory education, while the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025–2045 envisions thirteen years of compulsory education, including one year of pre-primary education. Is compulsory education merely about extending years of schooling, or does it reflect a broader vision for the future of our education system?

In this episode, Nisa Felicia (Host of Bincang Pendidikan) speaks with Najelaa Shihab (Chair of the Board of Trustees, PSPK) and Pandu Ario Bismo (Regulatory Expert & Vice Director, PSPK) to explore in depth the impacts, challenges, and opportunities of the 13-year compulsory education policy.

Five key topics discussed in this episode:
1️⃣ The urgency of 13 years of compulsory education: Why is an additional year of pre-primary education crucial for child development?
2️⃣ Early Childhood and Secondary Education: How can investment in these two levels improve the quality of the younger generation?
3️⃣ Quality vs. quantity: How can we ensure that children gain not only access to education, but also high-quality learning?
4️⃣ Capacity and financing: What steps are needed to prepare infrastructure, teachers, and sustainable funding mechanisms?
5️⃣ Public–private collaboration: How can the private sector contribute to supporting the implementation of 13 years of compulsory education?