Indonesia — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 1.3 % of GDP (2023)
• School enrolment, primary: 100 % gross (2025)
• School enrolment, secondary: 97 % gross (2025)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 45 % gross (2023)
• Adult literacy rate: 96.0 % of people aged 15+ (2020)

Steps

1. Enrolling in Public Schools — Public schools are free and compulsory for children aged 6-12. However, the process of enrolling in public schools can be complex and may require various documents, including the child's birth certificate and proof of residency.
2. Enrolling in Private Schools — Private schools in Indonesia can be expensive and may have varying admission requirements. Some private schools may require entrance exams or interviews.

Costs

• School fees for private schools: varies depending on the school and location

Timelines

• Registration for public schools: typically several weeks to months before the school year starts

Required documents

• Birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• Identity card (for parents/guardians)
• Transcripts (for transfer students)

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the complexity of the education system in Indonesia
• Assuming that all schools are the same

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.