EduTalk: The Challenges of Education in Indonesia

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Education is an irreplaceable pillar for the advancement of a nation. This is because education plays a crucial role in shaping future generations, who ultimately determine the nation’s trajectory.

Indonesia has made significant strides in education, particularly in expanding access. The implementation of the 12-year mandatory education program is a testament to this commitment. However, the journey toward a truly equitable and effective system still faces challenges.

In this EduTalk, I will discuss the challenges in Indonesian education based on personal experience and other relevant sources.

Let’s delve deeper into the specific challenges faced by Indonesian education. Here are some of the problems that still hinder education in Indonesia:

1. Quality and access gaps in education. This includes uneven infrastructure, learning facilities, technology, and the quantity and quality of teachers.
2. Limited inclusive education. There are still deficiencies in inclusive education, especially for children with special needs.
3. Curriculum relevance and quality. There is still a lack of quality and relevance in the curriculum.
4. Limited education budget. There is still a limited education budget, one of the effects of which is the lack of welfare for educators and students.
5. Lack of collaboration. There is a lack of participation and involvement from parents, society, and the government in education.

All these problems are interconnected. So, comprehensive steps and cooperation from various parties are needed to create a better education system.

Take the example of a limited education budget. A limited education budget creates quality and access gaps in education, especially those categorized as “3T” (“terdepan” (frontline), “terluar” (outermost), and “tertinggal” (underdeveloped)), which often lack essential resources.

In addition, a lack of education funding also makes the number of educators unbalanced with the quantity of students. This is because the compensation given to teachers is not commensurate with the responsibilities they bear. Low teacher salaries discourage talented individuals from entering the profession, further hindering educational progress. It is no wonder that in Indonesia, the teaching profession is less popular with the public.

The welfare of students also needs to be considered, for example through a comprehensive school health program, counseling services, extracurricular activities that support their social and emotional development, and special facilities and support for special needs children.

I’ve witnessed the struggles of children with special needs who don’t have access to proper support systems in schools. The lack of trained teachers and specialized equipment makes it difficult for them to participate fully in the learning process.

During all these problems, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how fragile the education system in Indonesia is. Many educators and students have difficulty conducting teaching and learning activities due to limited internet access and inadequate technology devices.

I understand that many considerations need to be thought about to create better education. Indonesia itself is a country with much diversity ranging from geography, culture, and economy that may be obstacles to implementing equitable education.

That is why education is not a solitary responsibility. It demands a shared commitment and collaboration between government, society, and various public sectors.

The government must continue to innovate and reform the education system. Inclusive and sustainable programs must be a priority, not only to close the existing gaps but also to create a solid foundation for future generations.

Improving the quality of teachers, providing evenly distributed educational infrastructure, and developing a curriculum relevant to the demands of the times, certainly need to be done. Because sometimes, the curriculum feels disconnected from the current needs of the job market. Focusing solely on rote memorization doesn’t equip students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in today’s world. A more dynamic and relevant curriculum that emphasizes practical application would better prepare them for future careers.

In addition, an increase in the allocation of the education budget is also required to support various programs and activities aimed at improving the overall quality of education.

Active participation from all layers of society is also important. Parents, communities, and other stakeholders need to be involved in supporting the education process, both in and out of school. Partnerships between the government, the private sector, non-profit organizations, and the community can also be drivers in creating innovative and sustainable solutions to overcome various problems in education.

Let’s work together to make equal educational opportunities a reality for all. Together, we can build a brighter future for all children! :)