Lestari Merdijati, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, emphasized the importance of utilizing modern data to address the issue of school dropout. This statement was made during her discussion on the data dashboard for out-of-school children developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. She pointed out that the availability of this data is a crucial step in tackling the challenges faced by children in accessing education.
The dashboard developed by the Data and Technology Center of the Ministry of Education contains accurate information about children facing difficulties in enrolling in schools. This includes categories such as children who have never attended school, children who have dropped out of education, and those who have completed their studies but have not enrolled in higher educational stages.
Event Details
According to available data as of April 1, 2026, the number of out-of-school children in Indonesia is approximately 3,966,858. The figures are distributed as follows: 1,913,633 children have never attended school, 986,755 children have dropped out of education, and 1,066,470 children have completed their studies but have not enrolled in higher levels.
Merdijati indicated that this data should be followed by actual measures to address these issues. She stressed the need for targeted interventions, such as providing educational assistance and awareness programs in remote areas.
Background & Context
The phenomenon of school dropout is a pressing issue in Indonesia, where many children struggle to access education due to economic and social factors. According to data released by the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network, approximately 76% of out-of-school children cite economic conditions as the main reason for their situation.
The Indonesian government is striving to tackle this problem by improving access to education and providing necessary support to children and their families. Modern data can serve as a powerful tool in guiding educational policies and identifying the most vulnerable groups in need of support.
Impact & Consequences
Merdijati emphasizes that collaboration among various sectors is key to solving the school dropout problem. Efforts must be combined between the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that children return to school.
She also highlighted the importance of transparency in data, as the availability of accurate information can lead to more effective and precise policies. Consequently, these efforts can contribute to improving the quality of education in Indonesia and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Regional Significance
The issue of education is also a fundamental challenge facing many Arab countries. Some nations experience high dropout rates due to conflicts or economic conditions. Indonesia's experience in utilizing modern data can serve as a valuable tool for Arab countries in addressing these issues.
In conclusion, the use of modern data is an important step toward improving education in Indonesia, and this experience can inspire other countries in the Arab region to confront educational challenges.