Indonesia Proposes Rp24.8 Trillion Budget Boost to Upgrade Religious Schools
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed an additional Rp24.8 trillion (US$1.45 billion) for 2026 to improve the quality of religious schools across the country. The proposal focuses on infrastructure upgrades, classroom digitalisation, and student support programmes. According to the ministry, the funding aims to narrow disparities between religious and general education institutions while ensuring that students across different faith-based schools benefit from modern learning environments and improved facilities, as reported by ANTARA.
The proposed funding package includes major investments in school revitalisation and digital learning initiatives, alongside smaller allocations for educational materials and institutional transformation. Officials say the plan reflects a broader policy effort to modernise religious education while ensuring more equitable access to government programmes.
Budget proposal targets infrastructure and digital learning
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said the proposed budget is intended to address long-standing gaps between religious schools, particularly madrasahs, and general public schools.
“This budget proposal is our effort to ensure there is no longer a gap between madrasahs (Islamic schools) and general schools,” — Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs
The largest portion of the proposed funding—Rp13.7 trillion (US$801 million)—would be directed towards a national school revitalisation programme. This initiative is expected to support repairs and upgrades across more than 7,000 religious schools.
A further Rp10.9 trillion (US$637 million) would fund learning digitalisation initiatives aimed at modernising classrooms and expanding the use of educational technology. The effort aligns with Indonesia’s broader push to strengthen digital education capacity nationwide, complementing initiatives highlighted in programmes such as Indonesia’s nationwide digital education drive.
School revitalisation programme spans multiple faith-based institutions
The revitalisation programme would target 7,131 religious schools across Indonesia. The majority—6,973 institutions—are madrasahs, but the plan also includes other faith-based schools to support more inclusive development across the education system.
- Madrasahs: 6,973 schools
- Christian schools: 128 schools
- Catholic schools: 13 schools
- Hindu schools: 9 schools
- Buddhist schools: 8 schools
Umar noted that many madrasah buildings currently require significant repairs, adding that infrastructure quality reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening religious education institutions.
Digitalisation and learning resources included in funding plan
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the ministry plans to invest in learning resources and digital transformation. Rp159 billion (US$9.3 million) has been proposed for a free books assistance programme aimed at supporting students across religious schools.
Another Rp22.9 billion (US$1.3 million) would support the Garuda Top High School Transformation programme. Digital learning investments are expected to complement ongoing efforts to introduce technology into classrooms, including initiatives involving smartboards and digital tools in Indonesian schools, as explored in recent developments in classroom technology adoption.
Concerns over limited reach of the free nutritious meal programme
The minister also highlighted disparities in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. While the programme is expected to reach around 80 percent of general schools, coverage in madrasahs and pesantrens remains significantly lower.
Current participation rates among these institutions stand at only 10 to 12 percent, raising concerns about unequal access to nutritional support for students.
“The government must be present and provide equal attention,” — Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs
He added that pesantrens are structurally well positioned to expand participation in the programme because many already operate independent kitchens and communal dining systems.
“Given the economic conditions, madrasah and pesantren students are in dire need of this support. We hope the program’s reach can be expanded,” Umar said.
If approved, the proposed budget increase is expected to accelerate efforts to modernise religious education infrastructure and improve learning conditions across Indonesia’s diverse network of faith-based schools.
