Daftarsbmptn.com – The Indonesian government continues to emphasize the importance of structural reform and improving the quality of education as the main foundation for strengthening the national economy and achieving sustainable growth. This is part of the country’s long-term strategy to address the challenges of a dynamic global economy, strengthen workforce productivity, and prepare the younger generation for the digital era.
Focus on Structural Reform for Economic Growth
In his presentation on the Indonesia Economic Outlook 2026, Airlangga Hartarto explained that the government is targeting economic growth of 8 percent in the next two years through sustainable structural reforms. These reforms encompass not only fiscal and monetary policies, but also changes to institutional systems, improvements to the investment climate, and modernization of productive sectors to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Structural reforms are considered crucial because they can accelerate productivity, reduce barriers to doing business, and create better jobs with high added value. According to a World Bank report, although Indonesia has demonstrated economic resilience amidst global uncertainty, increasing productivity through structural reforms is necessary to encourage the creation of quality jobs and inclusive growth.
The government is also aligning fiscal policy with these reform objectives. Through the 2025 Macroeconomic Framework and Fiscal Policy Principles (KEM & PPKF), the government is promoting the theme Accelerating Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, which serves as the basis for formulating the state budget to ensure the sustainability of the reform agenda.
The Role of Superior Education in Strengthening the Economy
In addition to structural reforms, superior education is a crucial factor in the formation of quality human capital. Educational studies show that investment in education is strongly correlated with sustainable economic growth. A strong education system not only improves workforce skills but also fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptability to technological change.
The government, through the State Budget (APBN), also prioritizes expanding learning opportunities and improving the quality of national education. Education is a key pillar in the transformation of national development because strong education produces a competitive workforce, ready to compete in the global market, and able to meet the needs of future industries.
These efforts include school revitalization, improving the quality of teaching, and developing multidisciplinary skills that meet the needs of the modern workforce. The school revitalization program also reflects a commitment to ensuring that quality educational facilities are equally available throughout Indonesia.
Furthermore, from a human resource development perspective, superior education is not only limited to increasing educational enrollment rates, but also to improving critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and students’ readiness to enter a job market that is increasingly dependent on technology and innovation.
Synergy Between Education and Reform, The Foundation of the Future Economy
Economists believe that structural reform and superior education are two sides of the same coin in strengthening the Indonesian economy. Without structural reform, a superior education system can be hampered by limited quality job opportunities and an unfavorable business climate. Similarly, reforms that are not supported by quality human capital will face challenges in increasing national competitiveness.
Collaboration between policymakers, the education sector, and the private sector is key to successfully implementing these two aspects. Vocational training programs, research collaborations between universities and industry, and incentives for technological innovation are some examples of synergies that can strengthen the results of education investments and reforms.
Optimism for Sustainable Economic Growth
Optimism for Indonesia’s economic growth is growing after several international institutions projected positive projections for 2026. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Indonesia’s growth to remain stable at around 5.1 percent, demonstrating economic resilience amidst global challenges.
A series of adaptive policies and the government’s focus on structural reforms also raise hopes that Indonesia can achieve higher economic growth rates in the coming years, especially if accompanied by significant investment in the education sector and human resource development.
Structural reforms and superior education are strategic foundations for Indonesia to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and highly competitive economic growth. The synergy between progressive economic policies and improved