Jakarta, July 16, 2026 – Achieving quality education is not only determined by the classroom learning process, but also by a safe, healthy, clean, and comfortable school culture, as well as support from the entire education ecosystem. Therefore, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) continues to promote the development of an ASRI (Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful) school culture as part of the effort to realize Quality Education for All through Universal Participation.

The commitment was conveyed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu'ti, during a visit to St. Francis School, Jakarta, Wednesday (15/7), coinciding with the implementation of the Educational Unit Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). According to him, schools must be safe, comfortable, healthy environments, and support the optimal growth and development of students. "In the atmosphere and part of our efforts to build the ASRI movement and culture launched by President Prabowo, namely Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful. Earlier, Father said that the environment is clean, the environment is comfortable, the social environment makes us feel peaceful and calm in it. And this is what we want to build in all schools in Indonesia, including at this St. Francis School," said Abdul Mu'ti.

The Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education explained that these efforts were strengthened through the issuance of a Regulation of the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning the development of a safe and comfortable school culture. This policy encourages schools to become spaces that respect the dignity of every member of the school community through interactions based on respect, sincerity, and mutual respect. "When we make education a process of carrying out a prophetic mission, then of course we strive to embody that respect in the way we greet fellow students, in the way we greet fellow educators, and in all our interactions within this school environment. To respect means to accept all with sincerity," he said.

Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that achieving quality education cannot be achieved by the government alone. Therefore, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education invites all stakeholders to participate in building a quality education ecosystem for all Indonesian children. "Because we are committed to the fact that this government, as the state administrator, cannot work alone. We desperately need the support and participation of the public, from all parties. Therefore, we realize our vision of Quality Education for All with universal participation," he emphasized.

In this spirit, the government views private schools as strategic partners in the implementation of national education. Their contribution has been crucial in expanding access to education. Therefore, the government is opening equal opportunities for private schools to participate in the educational facility and infrastructure revitalization program as an effort to strengthen the equitable distribution of quality education services. "When I first became Minister, I was asked, 'How do you view the private sector?' My answer was the same: the private sector is a partner. Therefore, we will implement a revitalization policy, not limited to public schools but also for private schools," he said.

One example of this spirit is evident at St. Francis School. The head of the St. Francis Foundation, Father Vinsensius Darmnin Mbula, stated that the school accepts every child regardless of their family background or economic situation, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to receive a quality education. "We accept children as they are. But we process their education so that they have self-respect," said Father Vinsensius.

This commitment is realized through a student-centered financing policy. Each parent is given the opportunity to express their financial capabilities, while the school optimizes the efficient use of School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds and builds support from donors, adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the school provides more personalized support through social workers who visit students' families to understand each child's situation and tailor support to their individual needs.

For St. Francis School, financial constraints are not a reason to deny children access to education. Therefore, the school provides a space for each parent to express their ability to finance their child's education. "Our principle is that no child should miss school because they lack money. That's no longer the case," said Father Vincent.

On the same occasion, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education urged parents to strengthen collaboration with schools to support their children's growth and development. He stated that successful education requires synergy between schools, families, communities, and the media as a mutually reinforcing ecosystem. "Parents, entrust the education at this school to the educators here. Trust them to carry out their duties to the best of their ability. Please don't let the teachers interfere. Please also don't report the teachers to the police," he said.

In addition to strengthening collaboration between schools and families, Abdul Mu'ti also emphasized the importance of mentoring children regarding device use. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued Circular Letter No. 18 of 2026 concerning restrictions on device use for children under 16 as part of efforts to create a healthy learning environment and support student development.

"Teachers and parents, please guide our children's screen time . Don't spend too much time in front of screens, as it can be detrimental to their health and brain health. Many children experience brain rot due to exposure to various types of information received through social media. Therefore, support them and guide them in using their devices for positive purposes," said Abdul Mu'ti.

Closing his visit, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education expressed his appreciation to the teachers, education staff, brothers, nuns, and all education providers who continue to provide the best services for Indonesian children. He hopes that the ASRI school culture will not only be a movement to create a safe, healthy, clean, and beautiful school environment, but also strengthen collaboration between the government, schools, families, communities, and all education stakeholders so that the ideal of Quality Education for All through Universal Participation can be realized.*** (Author: Irfan / Photographer: Rayhan)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 591/sipers/A6/VII/2026

Writer: Muhammad Irfan

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

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