HOW TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN INDONESIA

HOW TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN INDONESIA

Education in Indonesia is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education of Indonesia. According to the Indonesian Constitution, all citizens must undertake nine years of compulsory education, six years at elementary level and three in junior high school. The constitution also notes that education in Indonesia is divided into two major parts, formal and non-formal.

Since its independence in 1945, The Government of Indonesia has steadily made efforts to improve and expand its education system. Over the years, significant efforts have been made to develop all levels of formal education in Indonesia, from elementary to university education. 

The extent to which a nation has achieved success in improving its education is a barometer for measuring its development. Education in Indonesia lags far behind many other countries. 

Education is essential to development. It opens doors to all and helps people to lift themselves out of poverty. It empowers people and is a powerful “equalizer”. The best and only way to produce qualified human resources is the provision of a flawless education system.

WHAT IS QUALITY EDUCATION?

Quality education encompasses the following aspects:

Schools that are in good condition, both in physical infrastructure and teaching resources

A well balanced curriculum that meets the needs of the students and includes many forms of skills training, including technology

Teacher-based education where the welfare and abilities of the teachers are satisfactory

Education that is implemented using contextual learning that prepares children for the challenges of the future

Indonesia has made significant developments in education in the last 10 years in terms of quantity. However, in terms of quality, not much advancement has been made. Educational institutions do not have consistent quality across the board. Only institutions that charge high tuition fees can provide high quality teaching and learning systems. As a result, they are able to attract only the upper class students. Less financially viable institutions cannot compete. 

To improve the quality of education in Indonesia, the Government is making efforts to:

Create a national movement for completion of basic education, involving communities, especially parents and community leaders, NGOs, the private and industrial sectors.

Enhance and strengthen existing essential programmes for increasing school enrolment

Mobilise resources for maintaining and improving the Basic Education Programme.

Provide better opportunities for private schools and community-based educational institutions to participate in basic education provision.

Use alternative education approaches and programmes to reach previously unreached poor and remote communities and improve equity in access to basic education.