Apakah Siswa pada Sekolah Swasta Berhak Mendapatkan Pendidikan Gratis?: Analisis Putusan MK Nomor 3/PUU-XXII/2024

This study aims to analyze normatively and juridically whether students in private schools are entitled to free basic education based on the Constitutional Court Decision Number 3/PUU-XXII/2024. Prior to this decision, the phrase “without charging fees” in Article 34 paragraph (2) of Law Number 20 of 2003 on the National Education System was often interpreted narrowly, applying only to public schools. This interpretation created discrimination in access to education for students in private schools, particularly those from low-income families. This research employs a normative juridical method with a statute approach and case approach. Primary legal materials include the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Law Number 20 of 2003 on the National Education System, and Constitutional Court Decision Number 3/PUU-XXII/2024. Secondary legal materials consist of relevant scholarly literature, books, and journals. The analysis reveals that the Constitutional Court declared Article 34 paragraph (2) of the National Education System Law conditionally unconstitutional. The phrase must be interpreted to mean that the Central and Regional Governments are obliged to guarantee the implementation of compulsory basic education without charging fees, both for educational units organized by the government (public schools) and by the community (private schools). Consequently, students in private schools have the right to obtain free basic education as a constitutional right. Private schools are still permitted to charge fees from financially capable parents, but they are obligated to provide financial relief or full fee waivers for students from economically disadvantaged families. This decision has significant juridical implications for national education financing policy, particularly the need to revise derivative regulations and allocate School Operational Assistance (BOS) and Regional BOS funds to eligible private schools. This study complements previous research, which was largely empirical and regional in scope, by providing a comprehensive national normative juridical analysis.