Renovation of Religious Schools in Indonesia by 2026

Indonesian government announces a plan to renovate 11 religious schools by 2026, reflecting its commitment to improving religious education.

Renovation of Religious Schools in Indonesia by 2026
religious school in Tegal in early February 2026.

Details of the Initiative

In response to these concerns, Qudari confirmed that the government, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, is working to expedite the renovation process. The Ministry of Social Affairs, as the head of the task force, is preparing an urgent document as a basis for issuing presidential instructions regarding the renovation of religious schools.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Public Works are also preparing the additional budget plan to support interventions in 11 priority religious schools in 2026. This project is part of the government's efforts to enhance religious education and improve the living conditions of students.

Background & Context

Historically, religious schools in Indonesia play a pivotal role in religious and cultural education. However, many of these schools face significant challenges related to infrastructure and resources. In recent years, the government has increased its focus on improving these educational institutions, especially after incidents that highlighted the urgent need for renovation and maintenance.

Renovating religious schools is not just a matter of improving infrastructure; it is also part of a broader strategy to enhance religious education in Indonesia, which is considered the largest Muslim-majority country by population. The government hopes that this renovation will contribute to improving the quality of religious education and providing a safe environment for students.

Impact & Consequences

The government's plan to renovate religious schools is expected to have positive effects on Indonesian society. Improving the infrastructure of these schools will help attract more students, thereby enhancing the level of religious education in the country. Additionally, this step may contribute to reducing safety-related incidents in schools.

Moreover, enhancing religious education can contribute to strengthening social and cultural values in Indonesian society, reflecting the importance of education in building a cohesive and balanced community.

Regional Significance

Indonesia's experience in renovating religious schools serves as a model for Arab countries, where many nations face similar challenges in the field of religious education. Arab countries can benefit from this experience by fostering cooperation between governments and educational bodies to improve the infrastructure of religious schools.

In conclusion, this decision by the Indonesian government demonstrates its commitment to improving religious education, which may contribute to enhancing social and cultural stability in the country. Renovating religious schools is a step towards a better future for religious education in Indonesia, and it may also have positive impacts at the regional level.

What are religious schools (pesantren)?
Religious schools in Indonesia are educational institutions that provide religious and cultural education to students.
Why do religious schools need renovation?
Religious schools need renovation due to deteriorating infrastructure and the presence of buildings considered to be in dangerous condition.
How does renovating religious schools impact the community?
Renovating religious schools can improve education quality and attract more students, enhancing social and cultural values.