RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government's commitment to providing quality, equitable, and affordable education for all Indonesian children continues to be strengthened. The government is finalizing the concept of Integrated Schools through a Ministerial-level Meeting led by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno in Jakarta on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

He emphasized that Integrated Schools are a strategic solution to two fundamental problems in national education: disparities in quality between regions and low quality achievement in many areas.

"Integrated Schools are designed as an instrument for equalizing access to quality education. This is not just about the physical construction of schools, but also about transforming education governance so that every child, wherever they are, has an equal opportunity to receive quality education," Pratikno said.

Integrated schools are planned to be located in each sub-district, be inclusive, and free of charge, in order to reach school-aged children widely and evenly. Integrated schools provide education levels from early childhood education (PAUD), elementary school (SD), middle school (SMP), to high school (SMA) / vocational school (SMK) within a single, sustainable governance and learning system.

This concept allows learners to receive complete, targeted, and consistent educational services. And from an early age thru secondary education, it is supported by modern facilities and infrastructure as well as a holistic curriculum that combines the national curriculum with global enrichment.

Practically adding that the main goal of Integrated Schools is inclusive, focusing on students from middle-decile families, without closing opportunities for children from vulnerable groups who have not been fully reached by other programs. Integrated Schools are expected to bridge the gap and promote social mobility thru education.

Integrated schools will be designed to be integrated with vocational and training facilities relevant to the character of their region. If located in a coastal area, they will be integrated with fisheries vocational training, while in inland areas, they will be integrated with agricultural, livestock, or plantation vocational training.

The success of this program requires synergy across ministries, local governments, and the support of all stakeholders. "Education is a long-term investment for the nation, and Integrated Schools are one of the important foundations for realizing an advanced and just Indonesia," Pratikno stated.