JAKARTA - In the midst of the fast-paced and digital spirit of modern lifestyle, education in Indonesia does not want to be left behind. The public is now not only talking about the latest fashion or gadget trend, but also about how their children's future will be formed.
Now that the era of artificial intelligence and technology is part of everyday life, a big initiative is being initiated to ensure that every Indonesian child has the same opportunity to understand and control the digital world.
The Riady Foundation announced a monumental step in the world of Indonesian education. In a national collaboration involving five ministries and more than 500 educational units, the foundation launched the 'Smart IndonesianSTEM' initiative.
STEM is Science (Sains), Technology (Technology), Engineering (Teknik), and Mathematics (Mathematics). This program was launched with an astonishing allocation of funds, namely IDR 500 billion to build the foundation of AI and STEM skills for 10 million Indonesian students.
Dr. Stephanie Riady, Executive Director of the Riady Foundation, expressed the spirit behind this movement.
"The Smart IndonesiaSTEM is a collaborative movement that is present to answer real challenges, namely the gap in access, quality, and resources in STEM education in Indonesia, especially in disadvantaged areas and madrasas that have not been touched much. We want to change the perspective on science and mathematics," said Dr. Stephanie, from the official statement of the Riady Foundation.
In her presentation, Dr. Stephanie also invites us to no longer see STEM as complicated and exclusive.
"Science doesn't have to be complicated, technology doesn't have to be expensive, and mathematics doesn't have to be scary. On the contrary, it can be close, affordable, relevant, and fun for all Indonesian children," he explained.
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This program does not stop on teaching or education in classrooms alone. It is designed thoroughly, from inclusive teaching modules, teacher training, to AI-based digital platforms that can be accessed from various corners of the country. The most important thing is that all of this is done with a cross-sectoral collaborative approach, combining science, technology, and social-cultural value.
Today we are starting an important first step, not just a ceremony, but a starting point from a joint movement. We are building a national network of learners, as science grows from cross-disciplinary conversations and joint experiments," continued Dr. Stephanie.
Meanwhile, the founder of this foundation, Dr. Mochtar Riady gave a touching message at the age of 97.
This is a call for the nation. Throughout my life, I have tried to work and serve Indonesia. This initiative may be my last dedication to the nation I love," he said.
"I invite all Indonesian families to play an active role. Our children don't just need dreams, they need supplies to make it happen," he continued.
According to Dr. Mochtar, education is the best legacy. In a world that changes due to AI and digital transformation, STEM education is the key so that the younger generation is not only able to survive, but also lead changes.
The government's full support was also present. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Abdul Mu'ti, M.Edu., expressed his appreciation.
This initiative is an important part of national priorities. Smart Indonesia supports the vision of economic growth of 8% and the development of independent human resources," Prof. Abdul.
Likewise with Prof. Dr. Yudi Darma, Director of Science and Technology Dissemination from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
"The Riady Foundation's move through the STEM Indonesia Smart initiative is a real example of the courage to make strategic leaps in building a sustainable scientific and technological education ecosystem," he explained.
With a collaborative and inclusive approach, this program promises more than just a curriculum change. This is an effort to build the nation's future, starting from small classes in the village, to modern learning centers in the city.
Smart Indonesian STEM is not just an educational initiative. This is a new lifestyle, where critical thinking, innovating, and dares to dream of becoming the main value. If today we talk about the future, then Indonesian children will be the main stars.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
