The revitalization targets damaged facilities and pushes digital learning to strengthen Islamic schools under Prabowo’s education reforms

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Wednesday it plans to accelerate the revitalization of more than 2,000 Islamic schools, or madrasahs, as part of a national education program.

According to Secretary General Kamaruddin Amin, “The budget carries a great responsibility. The program must be implemented prudently, carefully, and on time. He said the ministry would soon finalize details, regulations, mechanisms, and tendering processes for the school revitalization in line with available funds.

Director General of Islamic Education Amin Suyitno said the program was included in President Prabowo Subianto’s quick-win initiatives. But of the 2,120 targeted schools, only 190 had been renovated so far in 2025, he added.

He further explain that, “Many facilities are moderately to severely damaged. The ministry must do its best to ensure this quick-win program addresses urgent needs”.

He then stressed the importance of aligning the program with President Prabowo’s education digitalization agenda.“Madrasah digitalization must be implemented, including aptitude tests at selected schools,” he said.

Nyayu Khodijah, director of Madrasah Curriculum, Facilities, Institutional Affairs and Student Affairs, said revitalization must be based on the actual needs of each institution.

She said the work must also comply with construction standards set by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The ministry said the revitalization aims to modernize madrasahs and make them better equipped to support national education reforms.

“We must anticipate technical obstacles, such as extreme weather at year-end that may disrupt building material distribution,” Khodijah said.

Source: ANTARA