Vice President Gibran Raka Calls for Reassessment of School Zoning System

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized the need to address the unequal distribution of teachers, a significant challenge in implementing Indonesia’s school zoning enrollment system, during his remarks at the Coordination Meeting on Primary and Secondary Education Policy Evaluation on Monday.

Raka acknowledged the zoning system’s intent to improve educational access by prioritizing students residing closer to schools. However, he noted that disparities in teacher distribution hinder the system’s effectiveness, with some regions experiencing teacher shortages while others are overstaffed. “The zoning system is a good program, but it probably cannot be implemented in all regions yet,” Raka said, stressing the need for strategic teacher allocation.

He also highlighted ongoing issues that arise with the zoning system each year, such as increased domicile transfers ahead of the New Student Admissions period and the uneven quality of educational facilities across regions. Reflecting on his time as mayor of Solo, Raka recounted public concerns regarding the system, suggesting the need for a thorough review to determine whether to maintain the zoning policy or revert to previous enrollment methods.

Additionally, Raka urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Works to expedite the rehabilitation of damaged school buildings and called on local education officials to monitor the Free Nutritious Meals program, a priority initiative aimed at improving student welfare.

The coordination meeting sought to strengthen collaboration between central and regional governments, focusing on enhancing education quality and equality across the nation.