Indonesian Education Ministry Directs Schools too Facilitate Safe Student Expression Following Protests
Jakarta, Indonesia – September 7, 2025 – The indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture has issued a circular letter to all regional education offices nationwide, outlining measures to support students in expressing their opinions following recent protests across the country. The directive comes after demonstrations in late August, sparked by public opposition to increased allowances for members of the House of representatives (DPR), some of which turned violent and resulted in injuries.
The circular, No. 13 of 2025, emphasizes the importance of fostering a “safe and protected educational surroundings” where students can develop as “democratic and responsible citizens.” It calls for the implementation of “obvious, measurable, and accountable” strategies, including technical policies, instructions, and supervision systems, to guide students wishing to voice their concerns.
“There are more peaceful ways. The message can be delivered without leaving school,” stated Education and Culture Minister Mu’ti when questioned on September 6, 2025, in East Jakarta, suggesting option avenues for student advocacy.
The Ministry is urging schools and staff to actively nurture, supervise, and guide students in expressing their views “safely, politely, and responsibly,” according to Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Suharti.
The circular also encourages the integration of lessons on positive values – such as friendliness, politeness, respect for differences, and ethical communication - into the curriculum to “develop a healthy culture of dialog.” Schools are specifically requested to provide dedicated spaces for student expression, including forums for deliberation, student organizations, and extracurricular activities.
The protests that prompted the circular arose from widespread public discontent over the DPR’s allowance increase, deemed insensitive to current economic hardships.
