The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Professor Abdul Mu’ti, stated that Indonesia is currently facing a significant learning loss.
Learning loss refers to a condition where students’ motivation, learning ability, and academic achievements decline.
According to the minister, this decrease in learning motivation results from either the absence of learning or the shift to online learning during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, learning was conducted online, or in some cases, there was no learning at all, and the effects are still being felt today,” Professor Abdul Mu’ti said during the Ramadhan Public Lecture (RPL) titled “Education as the Pillar of Golden Indonesia 2045 Development” held at UGM Campus Mosque, Wednesday (Mar. 19).
The minister stated that this learning loss is now a major challenge for Indonesia and that the ministry is working on improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills.
“We also strive to ensure that children who cannot attend school are served. One of the initiatives we are developing is establishing One-Roof Schools. Hopefully, this will be one of the solutions to provide education services to those in geographically remote areas,” he explained.
He also mentioned that the ministry has launched a character-building program called “7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children.”
This program is designed to be applied across various education levels, from early childhood (PAUD) to high school (SMA), with the aim of nurturing the 2045 Golden Generation.
The program is integrated into daily teaching and learning activities through a classroom-based approach, school culture, and community activities.
“The program begins with the habit of waking up early. In addition, there are habits of exercising, healthy and nutritious eating, enjoying learning, engaging in community activities, and going to bed early,” the minister elaborated.
In his lecture, Professor Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that one of Indonesia’s national goals is to educate the nation’s citizens.
A country will progress if its people are intelligent, knowledgeable, and competent. Based on the constitution, every citizen has the right to receive quality education, and quality education will produce a quality generation.
However, education is not just about transferring knowledge but also about shaping a mentally, spiritually, and morally strong generation to face future global challenges.
Furthermore, Professor Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the importance of building networks among young people. This diversity is also an asset and strength for mutual support.
In Islam, this network is founded on the concept of jamaah, which symbolizes strength in an organized and cooperative community.
“Thus, continuous education is necessary, starting with instilling good habits from an early age, so that our generation develops a noble and exemplary character as a nation,” he explained.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photograph by: The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education