Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed optimism about the potential for Dhammasekhas (Buddhist schools) to become the main educational institutions in Indonesia, similar to the status of the State Islamic Senior High School Insan Cendekia (MAN IC) in South Tangerang, Banten. He shared his vision for Dhammasekhas to achieve excellence comparable to MAN IC, which is recognized as the top senior high school. Minister Qoumas made these comments during the inauguration of a Dhammasekha in Jakarta.
The Higher Education Entrance Test Administrator (LTMPT) recently released a list of the top one thousand schools in Indonesia, with MAN IC securing the leading position. MAN IC achieved the highest national average scores in the Computer-Based Exam for State University Entrance in 2022. Minister Qoumas confirmed that during his tenure, the Religious Affairs Ministry has prioritized educational services alongside religious affairs. He emphasized that the ministry has been actively focusing on education.
He highlighted that since assuming the position of the Religious Affairs Minister, a total of 22 Dhammasekhas have been established, bringing the overall count of Buddhist schools in Indonesia to 43. These 43 Dhammasekhas, distributed across the country, cover four educational levels: nava Dhammasekha (early childhood education), mula Dhammasekha (elementary school), muda Dhammasekha (junior high school), and uttama Dhammasekha (vocational high school). Minister Qoumas emphasized the need for affirmative action to facilitate the advancement of Dhammasekhas.
Subsequently, he directed the Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance within the ministry to consider all 43 Dhammasekhas, irrespective of whether they are public or private institutions. He stressed the significance of private entities participating in school establishment, emphasizing the need to extend genuine support to private Dhammasekhas through affirmative measures and opportunities for their growth.
