Why is Indonesia's education system ranked so low in international assessments, despite having one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world?
This is a question that has been on the minds of educators, policymakers, and concerned citizens in Indonesia for quite some time. Despite its vast potential, the Indonesian education system faces significant challenges that hinder its ability to provide quality education to all its students. In this article, we will explore the current state of Indonesian education, delve into the key issues that need to be addressed, and propose a road-map for curriculum development that could potentially revolutionize the education landscape in this diverse and culturally rich archipelago.
Imagine a classroom where students are engaged and bursting with passion for learning. The students are laughing and enjoying every part of the lesson while collaborating with each other, using cutting-edge technology, and developing the critical skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. The teachers are finding creative ways to guide their students to find their own learning and be able to solve real-live issues that are impacting the society and especially the students life. This is the vision of a revolutionized Indonesian education system. What a beautiful and meaningful education that are given to the students who are the future generation of this country.
Unfortunately, the reality is far different. Many Indonesian students are struggling to learn. They are being educated using outdated and sometimes irrelevant facilities in underfunded schools. They are taught by overworked and underpaid teachers, navigating a landscape characterized by rote memorization and standardized assessments. As a result, many Indonesian students are not prepared for the multifaceted challenges of the modern world.
This is a problem that Indonesia cannot afford to ignore and requires Indonesia's steadfast attention. In today's globalized economy, education is more important than ever before. Countries that prioritize significant investments in education are the  most likely to succeed. If Indonesia wants to become a developed nation, it needs to revolutionize its education system. This means investing in better schools, strengthening educational institutions, expanding the pool of highly qualified educators, and providing students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy.
However, revitalizing Indonesian education goes beyond simple financial considerations. This requires a fundamental change in our concept of education. We need to move away from the fixation on rote learning and standardized assessment, and shift our focus to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and fostering creativity. It is imperative  to establish an educational model that enables students to face the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, making them  informed citizens, engaged workers and learners lifelong practice. It is time to create an education system that prepares all Indonesians for success.
Education is the cornerstone of any nation's progress, and it is high time that Indonesia takes a leap forward in this crucial arena. It is not a critique of the hardworking teachers and educators in the country but an acknowledgment of the systemic challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that every Indonesian child receives a high-quality education.
To understand the need for change, we must first look at the current state of Indonesian education. According to data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Indonesian students consistently score well below the global average in mathematics, science, and reading. In the latest assessment, Indonesia ranked 74th out of 76 participating countries, raising alarm bells about the quality of education in the country.
