Prepares Koding And AI Foundations From An Early Age, Computational Thinking Training Presents For Candidates For PAUD Coaches Throughout Indonesia

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Dozens of prospective PAUD-level coaches from 15 provinces in Indonesia gathered in Kudus, Central Java, to take part in the 'training for Coach Candidates in the Implementation of Computational Thinking at PAUD' program, which took place from Monday 27 October, to Friday 31 October. They will explore the concept of computational thinking and its implementation, which is in line with the strategic steps of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in encouraging the Learning of Artificial Codings and Intelligence (KKA).

Learning coding and artificial intelligence is not just a trend, but a basic need in preparing the younger generation to face future challenges. The role of PAUD teachers is very strategic to instill a competitive mindset from an early age logical, systematic, and creative thinking skills, which are the basis for solving complex problems in various fields. Therefore, developing teacher capacity in the implementation of computational thinking is our priority program," said Director of Early Childhood Education Teachers (PAUD) and Non-Formal Education (PNF), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Suparto, S.Ag, M.Ed, Ph.D, Monday, October 27.

This was stated by Suparto after the opening ceremony of the 'Training for Coach Candidates in the Implementation of Computational Thoughts in PAUD' which took place in Kudus, on Monday 27 October 2025. This training involved 8 PAUD teachers from Kudus Regency and West Sumbawa Regency, as two regions that had consistently developed and implemented computational thinking at the PAUD level.

In the process of preparing guidelines and training materials, the eight teachers were accompanied by the Head of the PAUD Working Group of the National Accreditation Agency for Early Childhood Education, Basic and Secondary Education (BAN PDM), Dr. Irma Yuliantina, M.Pd, as well as reviewed by the Indonesian Bebras Team, an international initiative that promotes computational thinking skills from an early age. The resulting training guidelines and materials will also be one of the references for the development of complemental thinking training and dissemination at the PAUD level at the next stage, both at the regional and national levels.

Since 2023, more than 700 school principals and teachers from 211 PAUD units have integrated computational thinking in everyday learning, through assistance from the District Education, Youth and Sports Office (Disdikpora) Kab. Kudus and the Kudus Teacher Learning Center (PBG) supported by the Djarum Foundation Education Service. Meanwhile in West Sumbawa Regency, a computational approach has been applied by 135 teachers and school principals from 29 PAUD units facilitated by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN) since 2023.

On the same occasion, Kudus Regent Dr. Ars. Sam'ani Intakiris, ST, MT. appreciated the initiative of this training program for this coach which was held in Kudus and is expected to provide wider benefits to various other regions in Indonesia.

"Hopefully with this training, teachers in West Sumbawa Regency can collaborate with teachers from Kudus Regency, so that this training becomes a provision for PAUD teachers from other regions to teach children about implementing a computational way of thinking. This collaboration is very good between the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, the Kudus Teacher Learning Center facilitated by the Djarum Foundation, Amman Mineral, and Inspiration Foundation. Hopefully it can be a sustainable program, "said Sam'ani Intakiris.

"We hope that this training can help straighten out the misconception that Computational Thinking is a new curriculum or activity, but a structured thinking process built through daily activities, as simple as hand washing or playing rubber jumps. What makes it different is the teacher's way of providing examples and lighter questions to build children's way of thinking in an activity. Experience from Kudus and West Sumbawa shows that the computational thinking process when applied consistently will improve children's cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical motor skills," explained Felicia Hanitio, Deputy Program Director of the Djarum Foundation Education Bakti.

Separately, PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara's Vice President Social Impact, Priyo Pramono, added that competing thinking is an important foundation in shaping a generation that has an adaptive mindset.

"The potential is getting bigger, the sooner it is instilled. With collaboration with educators and stakeholders from various provinces, we hope this step can accelerate the birth of human resources that are ready to compete towards Indonesia Gold 2045," added Priyo.

The training for Prospective Coaches was attended by 38 participants consisting of PAUD teachers, school principals from 15 provinces in Indonesia ranging from Kalimantan and Sumatra to Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Java, as well as representatives from the Directorate of PAUD and PNF Teachers, PAUD and UPT Directorates of the Directorate General of GTK and PG from Central Java and NTB Provinces.

During training, participants will study the concept of computational thinking and how to integrate it into the PAUD national curriculum through an in-depth learning approach. The training also includes direct practice and visits to 4 pilot PAUD units in Kudus that have implemented computational thinking. Through this series of activities, teachers involved are expected to be able to become coaches, who will disseminate more teachers in their respective regions.