ANBK Constrained By Infrastructure, Digital Equity Must Reach Remote Areas

Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the problem of the National Computer-Based Assessment (ANBK) in a number of areas due to the lack of digital infrastructure. He also emphasized the importance of the Government in managing the readiness of digital infrastructure throughout Indonesia.

"Creating efforts to support the smooth running of ANBK is also the responsibility of the central and regional governments, in order to provide infrastructure for the smooth running of digital networks in each region. Digital equalization must go to remote areas," said Puan, Tuesday, November 14.

Previously, it was known that the implementation of ANBK at SDN Sigela, Oba District, Tidore Islands, received attention after students had to work hard with limited internet connections. The students were forced to undergo an assessment on the beach.

The same thing happened when students at SMPN 4 in Tigo Lurah District, Solok Regency were forced to carry out ANBK on a hill to support the smooth access of the internet network.

Puan said the phenomenon became a real picture of the challenges of educational infrastructure, especially in the 3T region (Disadvantaged, Frontier and Outermost).

Puan reminded the Government to ensure the readiness of all facilities and facilities before implementing a technology-based education program. Puan asked the Government to also prepare all necessary steps when there is difficulty accessing the internet for students for their school needs.

"The problem of inadequate internet access in remote areas is a real obstacle for students who want to take the exam online. The government must realize that this alignment is the key to the success of implementing education policies," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Even so, Puan realizes that the presence of ANBK as an evaluation program organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) is very useful for creating equitable education quality. However, the commitment to develop supporting infrastructure must also be a priority for the Government. "The harmony between policies and technological infrastructure conditions in areas that do not receive support needs to be the government's top priority to make this ANBK a success," said Puan.

According to the East Ventures Competitiveness Index 2022 ranking on digital competitiveness, it is known that there is still significant inequality in Indonesia. Where digital access shows a high inequality, especially on the island of Java.

Meanwhile, from the results of digital competitiveness, Papua Province was ranked the lowest in 2020. The score obtained by Papua was only 17.7 with the supporting indicator getting the worst score, which was only 6.1.

With the imbalance in digital competitiveness, Puan assessed that there is a need for a backup plan from the Government in terms of implementing ANBK or previously known as the Computer-Based National Examination (UNBK).

The distribution of digital infrastructure is still a challenge that takes time and budget to be completed. I think the implementation of ANBK can be adjusted," he said.

"One of them can be done by the local government preparing a certain location for children whose area has difficulty accessing the internet during the implementation of ANBK. At that location a stable internet network was prepared," added Puan.

Bung Karno's grandson said that the local government could make various efforts to support the needs of school children. However, Puan reminded that the commitment to equitable digital infrastructure development must continue.

"Digital inequality in Indonesia must be overcome by ensuring equal internet access in all regions, especially in eastern and remote areas of the village," he said.