President Presents Indonesian Education Vision to British Academics

RRI.CO.ID, London - President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that education is the cornerstone of a nation’s success in the 21st century. He delivered this message while presenting his vision for Indonesian education to British academics.

“I believe that education is the key to a nation’s success,” President Prabowo said at the UK–Indonesia Education Roundtable Forum in London on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. He stressed that accessible, high-quality education is essential for national progress.

The President noted that the 21st century is an era defined by science and technology, requiring superior human resources. He argued that education is the most effective tool for combating poverty and achieving social justice.

“Education and healthcare are the fastest ways to build a fair and equal society,” he said, adding that both sectors are interrelated and depend on the availability of excellent human resources.

President Prabowo outlined several national education policies currently being implemented by the government. Among them is the establishment of boarding schools for underprivileged children, known as Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools).

He explained that these schools are designed to break the cycle of structural poverty by providing continuous access to quality education. “I think this is the only way we can break what I call, and what experts describe as, the cycle of poverty,” he said.

According to President Prabowo, the government has already built and operated 166 boarding schools. In addition, boarding schools for high-achieving students and integrated schools for middle-class families are being prepared. “They may not be the best academically, but they do not come from impoverished families. This is the program I have planned,” he said.

Beyond physical school construction, the government is expanding remote digital learning to reach schools in remote areas across Indonesia. “All schools in remote areas will have access to the best teachers in all subjects,” President Prabowo said.

He acknowledged that Indonesia’s education standards remain far behind, but described the program as a significant leap forward.

The President concluded his presentation by reaffirming his commitment to international collaboration. He said that cooperation with leading British universities is vital to strengthening the quality of education, research, and human resource development in Indonesia. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)