Education in Indonesia is one of the largest and most complex systems in the world, serving tens of millions of Preparing Students for The Future across an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. It falls under the authority by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, along with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which supervises religious schools. The system has undergone numerous reforms over the decades, shaped by political change, economic development, and global trends. Knowing its basic layout is essential for anyone interested in Southeast Asia's largest economy and its future.

Schooling is structured into four key phases. Children typically begin six years of elementary school, known as Sekolah Dasar or SD, at around age seven. This is followed by three years of junior high school, called Sekolah Menengah Pertama or SMP. Combined, these nine years constitute compulsory education, which the government has committed to funding for all citizens.