UNAIR NEWS – The potential for budget cuts in the education sector has raised significant concerns, especially as Indonesia pursues its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. The government argues that these reductions are part of broader fiscal efficiency measures. However, the key question remains: are these cuts truly about efficiency, or do they pose a serious risk to the quality of national education?
Prof. Dr. Tuti Budirahayu, Dra., M.Si., an Education Sociology expert at Universitas Airlangga, emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation. She warns that budget reductions must not jeopardize essential aspects such as educational infrastructure and teacher capacity-building.
“If funding for maintaining or improving learning facilities is slashed, the consequences could be severe. Deteriorating school buildings, insufficient laboratory resources, and restricted access to learning tools will inevitably undermine education quality,” she cautioned.
Furthermore, reductions in funding could hinder teacher development programs, which are crucial for enhancing instructional quality. “Cuts to teacher training must be carefully considered. If fiscal adjustments are necessary, they should not come at the cost of essential programs that directly strengthen educators’ skills,” she added.
Domino effect: Motivation and public trust
This policy could also have a demoralizing effect on educators and diminish students’ enthusiasm for learning. Critical support programs, such as scholarships and the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP), which assist underprivileged students, now face uncertainty.
“The public and students are anxious due to conflicting information. The government must provide clear assurances to prevent further confusion and distress,” she stressed.
She also warned that poor communication surrounding this policy could damage public trust in the government. “If education is perceived as a secondary concern rather than a national priority, confidence in leadership will erode. In contrast, developed nations consistently place education at the core of their advancement strategies,” she noted.
Fiscal efficiency or mismanagement?
On the other hand, Prof. Budirahayu acknowledges that efforts to improve budget efficiency could be an opportunity to regulate education fund management, which has often lacked transparency. “A significant portion of the budget has been misallocated or spent on unclear initiatives. If efficiency measures include strict oversight and transparency, they could enhance financial accountability,” she explained.
However, she emphasized that efficiency efforts must not compromise strategic elements that are vital to education quality. “Programs that enhance literacy, strengthen teacher capacity, and improve educator welfare must remain a priority. Reckless budget cuts could have lasting negative consequences on Indonesia’s future workforce,” she asserted.
Strategic and transparent measures
She recommends that budget cuts be guided by data and undergo thorough auditing. “It is critical to ensure that the sectors facing cuts are non-essential. If an adjustment threatens education quality, it should be reconsidered. In fact, education funding should be reinforced rather than reduced,” she stated.
According to her, education is not merely about physical infrastructure but about fostering a generation that is intelligent, analytical, and prepared to meet global challenges. Consequently, every policy decision must take into account its long-term impact on the national education system.
Author: Sintya Alfafa
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
