The Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed an additional budget of Rp24.8 trillion, equivalent to approximately US$1.45 billion, for the year 2026. The proposal aims to enhance the quality of religious schools and bridge the educational gap with general schools, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar stated on Sunday.
A significant portion of the requested funds, Rp13.7 trillion (US$801 million), is earmarked for school revitalization. Another Rp10.9 trillion (US$637 million) would be dedicated to a learning digitalization initiative, intended to modernize classrooms across the religious education sector.
Further allocations include Rp159 billion (US$9.3 million) for a free books assistance program to support students, and Rp22.9 billion (US$1.3 million) for the Garuda Top High School Transformation program. Minister Umar emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring equal attention and treatment for both general and religious education institutions.
The school revitalization budget is planned to benefit 7,131 institutions. This includes 6,973 madrasahs, 128 Christian schools, 13 Catholic schools, nine Hindu schools, and eight Buddhist schools, reflecting an inclusive development approach. The minister noted that many madrasah buildings are in urgent need of repairs, highlighting infrastructure quality as a measure of state commitment.
Another key concern raised by the minister was the limited reach of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program within religious institutions. Currently, the program covers only 10 to 12 percent of madrasahs and pesantrens. This contrasts sharply with general schools, where the MBG program is projected to reach 80 percent of students in the near future.
Minister Umar expressed hope for an expansion of the program, particularly as students in madrasahs and pesantrens are often in dire need of such support due to economic conditions. He also pointed out that pesantrens possess an existing ecosystem, with independent kitchens and communal dining, making them well-suited for the MBG program’s implementation. The minister hopes the budget proposal receives approval to accelerate the development of a comprehensive and inclusive religious education system.
Source: Original
