The high-stakes Ujian Nasional (UN) was abolished in 2021. Previously, passing the UN was required for graduation, causing widespread stress and coaching culture.

The Indonesian education system is one of the largest in the world, serving over across a diverse archipelago. While it faces challenges regarding quality, several "good features" define its unique school life and ongoing reforms. Key Positive Features of the System

Indonesia’s education system is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, serving over 50 million students across thousands of islands. In 2026, the system is undergoing a massive transformation, blending deep-rooted cultural values with bold modern reforms designed to prepare students for a globalized future. A System in Transformation The Indonesian education journey typically spans 12 years of compulsory schooling , split into 6 years of elementary ( cap S cap D ), 3 years of junior high ( cap S cap M cap P ), and 3 years of senior high ( cap S cap M cap A At the center of today's changes is the Merdeka Belajar

After the academic day ends, students often stay at school until 4:00 or 5:00 PM for extracurricular activities ( Ekskul ). Joining at least one club is usually mandatory. Popular options include Pramuka (Scouts, which is compulsory for junior high students), traditional martial arts ( Pencak Silat ), English debate clubs, Islamic study groups, and sports like badminton or futsal.