JAKARTA - In the midst of rapid changes, the classroom is also undergoing transformation. Technology is no longer just a tool, but part of everyday life that shapes the way of learning, teaching, and interacting. This is where the role of educators becomes increasingly important, not only as teachers, but also as navigators in the era of artificial intelligence.
Awareness of the importance of adaptation is what underlies an intensive training for teachers in Bontang City, East Kalimantan. For two days, hundreds of educators gathered to explore new ways of interpreting learning in the ever-evolving digital era.
PT Kaltim Nitrate Indonesia (KNI) held a Microsoft Elevate: AI for Educators Training with the theme "Designing an AI Ecosystem for Education" which was held offline at the Pendopo of the Bontang City Government Office, East Kalimantan, on January 12-13, 2026.
This activity is a learning space as well as a reflection space for educators about how artificial intelligence can be present as a partner, not a substitute, in the learning process.
In the training sessions, participants are invited to understand the role of AI in the daily lives of teachers, ranging from helping to prepare syllabuses and learning plans, enriching teaching methods in the classroom, to alleviating administrative burdens. Thus, teachers can return to focus their energy on the most essential things, namely guiding and accompanying students.
"Through cross-sector collaboration, Microsoft Elevate Indonesia presents an in-depth and wide-reaching AI learning experience in various regions in Indonesia," said Arief Suseno, AI Skills Director, Microsoft Indonesia, quoted from the official statement of Microsoft Elevate.
"This training is part of efforts to strengthen the education sector by placing teachers as the main drivers in encouraging AI-based innovation while preparing future talent with the literacy and digital skills needed for Indonesia to grow and innovate inclusively in the AI era," he added.
Support for this activity also came from the local government. The Bontang City Government through the Education and Culture Service also played an active role in ensuring that the training ran optimally.
The Head of the Bontang City Education and Culture Office, Abdu Safa Muha, expressed his appreciation, while the event was officially opened by the Mayor of Bontang, dr. Hj. Neni Moerniaeni, Sp.OG. In his speech, he emphasized that the readiness of educators in facing changes in time is the main foundation for improving the quality of education.
The commitment to developing local human resources is also emphasized from the industrial sector. Representative of PT Kaltim Nitrate Indonesia Management, Rheza Zacharias, as the Head of Government, Community Relations & GA Department, emphasized the company's support for education and digital literacy programs as part of corporate social responsibility.
A total of 200 teachers and education personnel attended this training, which was divided into two days of implementation. They came from 170 schools with a very diverse background, ranging from TK, SD, SMP, to SMA, including Islamic schools, Special Schools (SLB), and non-formal education units.
This diversity creates a rich dynamic of discussion. Each participant brings a unique story, challenge, and context from their respective classrooms, so that the solutions designed are expected to be more relevant and inclusive.
The training is designed to be participatory and applicable. Participants not only learn the basics of AI and AI Agents, but are also invited to shift their mindset from individual solutions to a systemic approach. Through the Design Thinking Sprint method, teachers design AI-based solutions that can be applied directly in the school environment.
The series of activities was closed with the "Solution for Indonesia" Competition, where participants presented and demonstrated their AI agents. The entire process emphasizes the importance of using AI that is ethical, contextual, and in line with Indonesian educational values.
"We are committed to continue to encourage the use of technology in education as part of efforts to increase the capacity of educators. Through collaborations such as Microsoft Elevate: AI for Educators, we want to ensure that technology can be used for the real needs of teachers as well as the education ecosystem in Indonesia," said Rashvin, CEO of Biji-biji Initiative.
After the training, participants will take a post-test and receive an appreciation certificate via email. More than just a certificate, this experience is expected to be the starting point for the birth of agents of change, adaptive, innovative educators, and ready to build a sustainable education ecosystem in the era of artificial intelligence.
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