Education Solution Towards Gold Indonesia

JAKARTA - Indonesia has declared 2045 as the golden year, because in that year 100 years and the age of the nation's journey since independence in 1945. With its 100th age, it is hoped that Indonesia can realize the mandate of the ideals of the Basic Law, as a just and idealized nation. This includes being able to realize education that will produce superior human resources so that the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045 can be achieved.

The main key to the success of this vision lies in the quality of human resources (HR), to make it happen, a comprehensive transformation is needed in the education sector, both in terms of policies, curriculum, educators, and infrastructure.

However, the world of Education is currently facing various challenges, among others, about the global economic conditions of the world, which has an impact on budget savings, including education budgets. In addition, we face the gap in the quality of education there is still a disparity between education in big cities and remote areas. In addition, we also feel that the existing curriculum is not yet optimal, the curriculum often changes but does not fully support the skills of the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy.

We also face the diverse quality of teachers, because not all teachers have access to quality training, especially teachers in remote areas. Lack of education infrastructure, many schools especially in remote areas, still lack basic facilities such as internet, laboratories, and libraries.

Educational relevance with the world of work is often not getting along. Graduates are often not ready to face industry demands 4.0. Strategy to build the 2045 Golden Indonesia Education System. In order for Indonesian education to be able to support the 2045 vision, a thorough transformation is needed with several strategic steps:

Equitable access to quality education includes increasing the education budget for disadvantaged regions. Expanding the program of Mobilizing Schools and Driving Teachers throughout Indonesia. Utilizing technology such as e-learning and digital schools to reach remote areas.

Strengthening the Relevant Curriculum, combining the national curriculum with future skills such as coding, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence (AI). Applying Project-Based Learning (PBL) to train students' creativity and collaboration. Strengthen character education through values of Pancasila, tolerance, and leadership.

A number of experts also suggest reforming the competency-based curriculum of the 21st Century, Curriculum should focus on character formation, critical thinking skills, creativity, collaboration, and communication. The flexible and project-based Independent Curriculum needs to be strengthened and implemented evenly.

Improved Teacher Quality, teacher training program based on digital competence and modern pedagogicals. Teachers must be positioned as the main agents of change. Sustainable training, incentives and proper allowances are needed, and a promising career system. Programs such as Teacher Professional Education (PPG) and the Independent Teaching Platform must be expanded in scope. Collaboration with universities and industry for teacher professional development.

Infrastructure and education technology, building smart schools with digital facilities such as fast internet, digital libraries, and STEM laboratories. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) for interactive learning. Encouraging research and innovation through collaboration with industry and universities.

Link and Match with the World of Work, strengthens coaching factors and industrial internships at SMK and universities. Develop micro-cidentials and competency certification according to job market needs. Encouraging entrepreneurship through school startup programs and business incubation. Schemes such as link and match and internship programs must be improved.

And also, strengthening the governance system and educational data is important. Digitization of educational data through systems such as Dapodik must be used for data-based decision making (evidence-based policy). Budget transparency and accountability of educational institutions must also be maintained.

Real Implementation Needed

The need for expansion and Equity of Infrastructure, building and revitalizing schools in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost areas (3T). As well as improving digital connectivity in all schools. As well as decentralization of decision making, increasing local government capacity in education management. Providing autonomy to schools in the development of local curricula.

Multi-Pihak Partnership (penta helix model). Invite the private sector, community, academics, and media to engage in education. Strengthening the character of the Nation and Pancasila Education, instilling national values, tolerance, and diversity as the foundation of superior human resources.

Sustainable Monitoring and Evaluation. Establish measurable educational success indicators, and evaluate the program regularly.

Realizing Indonesia Gold 2045 is not just a dream, but a collective responsibility that requires hard work and collaboration from all parties. Quality, inclusive, and adaptive education is the main foundation for achieving this great vision. Finally, the transformation of the education system must begin now, with the right policies, concrete implementation, and long-term commitments.

President Prabowo in his remarks on Education Day in Bogor emphasized that education is the way for a nation to experience revival, progress. "How can a nation progress if its education does not progress." he said in the Commemoration of National Education Day 2025, in Bogor. Therefore, agreeing with the strategics of the leaders to always forge the above education budget in his APBN, compared to other budgets.

To achieve Indonesia Gold 2045, the education system must focus on equitableness, quality, and relevance. With a holistic transformation, Indonesia can produce a generation that is intelligent, has character, and ready to compete in the global era. Education is not only the responsibility of the government, but all elements of society, to build a better future for Indonesia.