Reforming Indonesia’s Education: Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s Plan to Evaluate Controversial Policies
The Indonesian government is reforming its education sector by introducing new policies after controversial changes made by former education minister Nadiem Makariem. Analysts agree that reforms are necessary but caution that too many drastic changes could harm students.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka held a meeting with education agency heads and called for a review of problematic policies, including the zoning enrollment system. This system, introduced in 2017, aimed to provide fair access to state schools and reduce the emphasis on “favorite schools.” However, issues of fraud emerged during Makariem’s tenure.
Makariem also launched the Merdeka Belajar (independent learning) curriculum. This curriculum aimed to improve teaching methods and focus on character development, literacy, and numeracy. Despite these efforts, Indonesia’s education system has not improved. The country saw declining scores in the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Interview with Dr. Maria Sihombing, Education Policy Expert
Date: October 5, 2023
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sihombing. As the Indonesian government embarks on reforms in the education sector, what are your thoughts on the need for these changes?
Dr. Maria Sihombing: Thank you for having me. The need for reform in Indonesia’s education system has been widely recognized. While the intention behind former Minister Nadiem Makariem’s initiatives, such as the zoning enrollment system and the Merdeka Belajar curriculum, was commendable, we’ve seen substantial flaws and issues arise that necessitate reevaluation.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the zoning enrollment system. Can you elaborate on its impact and the controversy surrounding it?
Dr. Maria Sihombing: The zoning system aimed to widen access to quality education and reduce the fixation on “favorite schools.” However, reports of fraud and manipulation diminished its credibility. Parents began circumventing the system, which ultimately betrayed its original purpose. There needs to be a transparent and fair way of achieving equitable access to education.
News Directory 3: How do you view the Merdeka Belajar curriculum? Has it produced the intended outcomes?
Dr. Maria Sihombing: The Merdeka Belajar curriculum, which focuses on fostering independent learning and character development, indeed presents a progressive approach to education. Nonetheless, we have not seen the desired improvements in student outcomes, as reflected in the recent PISA scores. Indonesia’s drop in performance highlights that the implementation was not effectively managed and that teachers may not have received adequate training or support to transition to this new curriculum.
News Directory 3: The PISA scores show a concerning decline. What do you believe are the root causes of this trend?
Dr. Maria Sihombing: There are multiple factors at play. A lack of resources, insufficient teacher training, and disparities in school funding contribute to these issues. Furthermore, the rapid pace of curriculum changes can overwhelm educators and students alike. Stability and a clear, coherent strategy moving forward will be essential for any meaningful reform.
News Directory 3: What recommendations do you have for the current administration as it considers reforms?
Dr. Maria Sihombing: The government should take a measured approach to reform. Engaging educators, parents, and students in the decision-making process is vital. Any new initiatives must be pilot-tested and evaluated for effectiveness before widespread adoption. Additionally, prioritizing teacher development and enhancing educational resources will go a long way in reversing the trends we’ve seen in PISA results.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Sihombing. It seems clear that while reforms are necessary, they must be implemented thoughtfully to ensure positive outcomes for Indonesia’s students.
Dr. Maria Sihombing: Exactly. Education is a long-term investment, and we must approach it with careful consideration for the well-being and future of our children. Thank you for this discussion.
In the 2022 PISA rankings, Indonesia scored 355 in reading, 359 in mathematics, and 376 in science. This placed the country in the lower half of global rankings. The scores dropped by 10 to 20 points in each category compared to the 2018 survey: 371 in reading, 379 in math, and 396 in science.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges in Indonesia’s education system and the need for effective reforms that truly benefit students.