Jakarta, Sept. 3 -- Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti stressed the importance of universal participation in improving quality, access to early childhood education (PAUD), as it is the foundation in developing high-quality education in general.

"Early childhood education is like planting a tree. When the roots are firm, its branches and leaves will grow strong. This foundation is what determines our education (system) in the future," Mu'ti stated here on Wednesday.

He said that PAUD's contribution is not limited to developing literacy and numeracy skills, but also to fostering a healthy and clean lifestyle, and also teaching social skills.

"We need to ensure that children grow with good nutrition, a healthy lifesty...