Introduction
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." A
well-known quote from Nelson Mandela. For some people, changing the world may sound too
exaggerating. Thus, how important is education? Referring to (Benefits of Education, n.d.),
"education is considered to be a human right and plays a crucial role in human, social, and
economic development. Education promotes gender equality, fosters peace, and increases a
person's chances of having more and better life and career opportunities." Indonesia, as the
fourth most populous country, has the potential to become a developed country. The slogan
"Indonesia emas 2045" might not only be gibberish but the ultimate goal of a developing nation.
However, one problem needs to be solved to achieve it, which is education.
According to (Education Rankings by Country 2022, n.d.), Indonesia is ranked 54th in
education. Take a loot at higher ranks, for example, United States, Germany, Canady, and United
Kingdom. These countries have a higher level of economic development. It appears that the
teaching system is somehow interrelated with the country's development. Another research is
taken from Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Indonesia placed in 72 out
of 77 countries tested. The participants are 15-year-old students, chosen randomly and given
mathematic, science, and literature test. Literature, mathematics, and science result in respective
order are 371, 379, and 389. The score lies far below the established standard which is 487, 487,
and 489. It shows the changes should be executed at an early age if we want to leverage our
PISA score, which in my opinion, started from elementary school. The government needs to
figure it how to standardize the teaching system in Indonesia to be on par with the world's level.
Rasio, Rasa, Raga
In advance of connecting the aforementioned education problem with rasio, rasa, and raga, here is the explanation of those three words;
Rasio: The element in which a person explores the learning process, and improves skills with various kinds of experience to shape himself into a smart, intelligent, professional, and ready human being.Â
Rasa: Elements of noble or virtuous character who promote tolerance, have a compassionate soul, and cultivate mutual assistance.
Raga: Bodily elements related to body stamina. It includes the maintenance of our body parts to stay fresh and able to do daily activities without any hindrances.
Indonesia's standard for creating the education system still overrides these three basic principles. They exalt rasio aspect or intelligent quotient (IQ) above the others. The educators believe that having outstanding results in academics would pave the way for students to get better and stabler jobs. This statement could be a boomerang, seeing how the current condition in Indonesia is. Lots of employees in high positions, seem to lack rasa. Proven by numerous corruption cases occurred. So, in my opinion, this stereotype should be opposed to producing the greater quality graduates.
The "Missing Factor" in Indonesia's Education System
The difference between Indonesia's and other countries' education systems leaves us wondering what is the missing factor. Why is the student in China more brilliant than Indonesia student? The answer is the system in both countries are significantly different. Furthermore, these discrepancies start at an early age or elementary school when kids start to explore "the new world".
