On February 19, 2025, the vibrant city of Malang, Indonesia, set the stage for insightful discussions on the future of private education during the seminar titled "Arah Kebijakan Pembangunan Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Kabinet Merah Putih: Implikasi bagi Lembaga Pendidikan Swasta." This event saw the participation of prominent figures such as Atip Latipulhayat, the Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), along with esteemed representatives from Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) and the Badan Musyawarah Perguruan Swasta (BMPS).
The seminar aimed to offer a platform for private educational institutions to express their support and appreciation for the government's educational policies, which have become increasingly relevant as the sector evolves. Vice Minister Atip Latipulhayat commenced the discussions by emphasizing the importance of both private and public educational institutions in achieving quality education—a pivotal goal enshrined within the framework of the National Education System Law, particularly under Law No. 20 of 2003.
"Sekolah swasta adalah mitra dalam penyelenggaraan pendidikan. Bahkan, dalam penyelenggaraan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 97% dilaksanakan oleh lembaga pendidikan swasta," stated Atip, highlighting the significant role private institutions play, especially at the early childhood education level. This recognition calls for integration between the two sectors, ensuring continued quality and accessibility of education to all.
A key focus of the seminar was the announcement of new policies aimed at enhancing educational quality across all levels. Atip explained how the Ministry has issued supportive policies for teachers, asserting, "Guru yang telah lolos seleksi ASN PPPK bisa ditempatkan di sekolah asalnya, termasuk jika sebelumnya dia dari sekolah swasta." This initiative allows teachers to return to their original schools, whether public or private, thereby promoting equity within the educational system.
Another significant change discussed was the transformation of the Penerimaan Peserta Didik Baru (PPDB) process, now rebranded as the Sistem Penerimaan Murid Baru (SPMB). Atip elaborated on this change, noting, "Penggantian nama ini menurutnya tidak sekedar berganti nama, melainkan memang ada hal baru dalam kebijakan Kemendikdasmen," indicating substantial modifications to the admission process aimed at enhancing accessibility.
The new student admission system features four distinct pathways: 1) domiciliary; 2) affirmation; 3) achievement; and 4) mutation. This varied approach is intended to cater to the diverse needs of students across Indonesia, breaking the reliance solely on zonation and allowing for broader participation.
Addressing evaluations of student performance, Atip added insights on transitioning away from the National Examination (UN), stating the importance of local education units determining student graduation based on their unique assessments. This shift reflects the government's commitment to improve the quality of education and is part of broader efforts to reassess educational delivery.
Ki Saur Panjaitan, Chairman of the BMPS Pusat, contributed valuable perspectives during the seminar, particularly advocating for the deep learning approach's implementation among educational institutions. He expressed hopes for comprehensive appreciation of this learning model by educational stakeholders to facilitate seamless integration within schools.
Junaidi, the Rector of UNISMA and the Chairman of BMPS Kota Malang, also echoed these sentiments, fervently stating, "Alhamdulillah sekarang sudah ada kebijakan tentang redistribusi guru, mudah-mudahan pada tingkat implementasinya berjalan sesuai dengan semangat yang ada," showing optimism about the successful execution of policies aimed at improving educational quality.
The seminar concluded with participants expressing readiness and commitment to support the priority programs rolled out by the Ministry of Education. The enthusiastic discussions reflected the collective aspiration for enhanced educational standards, bridging gaps between various types of institutions, and promoting collaborative efforts within the educational framework.
These developments mark significant strides toward ensuring educational equity and quality across Indonesia, underlining the cooperation between government entities and private educational institutions. The commitment from all parties involved indicates promising advancements for the future of Indonesia's education system.