The Indonesian Government Ensures Equitable Digitization of Elementary Schools
By: Yandi Arya Adinegara
As time goes by, one of the biggest challenges facing Indonesia in education is the disparity in access to technology. This poses a significant problem for remote areas and communities living below the poverty line. However, the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s School) program, currently being promoted by the government, offers a breath of fresh air for the future of education in Indonesia, particularly in terms of equitable access to technology.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that technology is accessible to all levels of society, including those in remote areas or lower-middle-class communities, during a visit to the 10 Marguna Elementary School (SRMA) in Jakarta. This program focuses not only on providing adequate educational facilities but also on equitable digitalization of education through the use of advanced technology.
The government plans to increase the number of Elementary Schools to 165 by the end of September 2025 and continue to expand the program with a target of reaching 500 schools in the coming years. This program focuses heavily on children who were previously forced to drop out of school due to economic hardship, and provides them with the opportunity to continue their education in a supportive and motivating environment. This is where technology plays a crucial role, as a tool to ensure every child, from Sabang to Merauke, receives an equal education.
The importance of technology in education, particularly in the context of People’s Schools, extends beyond providing access to learning materials, to bridging the gap in teaching quality. This year, the government has begun distributing smart digital screens to schools, with a target of 100,000 units by the end of the year. This technology allows students to learn through interactive media, such as animations and other digital content, and to access learning materials from home if they cannot attend school. With these smart screens, children in areas with teacher shortages can learn from top-notch teachers, who will teach online.
The smart TVs used in People’s Schools have interactive features and cameras, allowing for direct monitoring of the teaching and learning process. With this technology, students can access learning materials at any time, even via mobile phones. This is certainly a major step in ensuring that the digitalization of education occurs not only in large cities, but evenly throughout Indonesia.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized the importance of equitable distribution of digital devices to ensure every Indonesian child has equal opportunities. This program aims not only to provide hardware such as laptops and digital TVs, but also to ensure that this distribution reaches the most remote areas of Indonesia. Equitable distribution of laptops is a priority to ensure that no child is left behind. This program aims to ensure that every child, from elementary to high school, receives equal technological facilities, supports distance learning, and provides access to adequate education.
Furthermore, in a broader context, the People’s School is also part of the government’s efforts to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. The Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Nunuk Suryani, explained that the People’s School aims not only to provide education but also to build character and vocational skills. This is expected to produce a young generation that is resilient, creative, and ready to compete in the global world. People’s Schools symbolize the state’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for every child, regardless of social or economic background.
Of course, the development of People’s Schools extends beyond digitalization and equalizing facilities. The government also continues to prioritize the quality of its teaching staff. Teachers at People’s Schools are selected from certified professionals who meet stringent selection standards. Furthermore, intensive technology-based training is conducted periodically to improve the competency of teachers and principals throughout Indonesia.
