JAKARTA - The government has canceled plans to implement hybrid learning in April 2026 after an evaluation showed the potential for a decline in the quality of education and the weakening of the formation of the character of students. The policy was previously prepared as part of the response to global economic pressures, including the impact of conflicts in the Middle East that triggered mobility restrictions.
Education observer Dr. Obden Sumero Odoh assessed that the government's move was appropriate to prevent the wider risk of learning loss among learners. According to him, hybrid learning has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of the learning process if it is not supported by the readiness of an adequate system.
"Learning loss is a condition when the motivation, ability, or knowledge of students decreases due to disruptions in the learning process. In the hybrid scheme, this risk increases because the interaction between teachers and students is not intensive," said Obden.
Obden, who is also the Head of Tunas Pertiwi School in Bogor, explained that the limitations of interaction in distance learning made the delivery of materials less in-depth. In addition, the opportunity for teachers to provide feedback directly is also limited.
"If the interaction is not optimal, then the students' understanding will also decrease. This is what must be anticipated from the beginning," he said.
In addition to the issue of interaction, the inequality of access to technology in various regions is also a serious challenge. Not all students have adequate devices and networks to follow digital-based learning.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there are still many areas that are not ready in terms of infrastructure. If it is forced, it will actually widen the gap in the quality of education," he said.
Obden also emphasized the importance of face-to-face learning in shaping the character of students. According to him, values such as discipline, responsibility, ethics, and the ability to socialize are more effectively instilled through direct interaction in the school environment.
"Schools are not only places to transfer knowledge, but also character formation spaces. This cannot be completely replaced by a remote system," he said.
He assessed that the government's decision to return to full face-to-face learning reflected efforts to maintain a balance between economic interests and the quality of education.
"Education must be seen as a long-term investment. Any policy must consider its impact on the quality of human resources," he said.
However, Obden emphasized that the use of technology in education is still important to be developed. However, its implementation must be carried out gradually by taking into account the readiness of infrastructure and the competence of educators.
"Technology remains part of the future of education, but it must be prepared carefully so as not to sacrifice the quality and character of students," he said.
He added that strengthening face-to-face learning is currently a strategic step to recover academic achievements while ensuring the process of forming the character of students continues to run optimally.
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