Nadiem Makarim Describes 5 Visions in Education Sector

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim reveals five instructions from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as to develop superior human resources.

First, Nadiem described the vision and mission in the aspect of character education. According to him, the root of the problem emerged in coincided with the great role of technology and information.

He opined that without strong character, people could easily be exposed to false information. “Every young people, we, must think independently,” said Nadiem during the first working meeting with the House’s Commission X at the Parliament Complex, Wednesday, November 6.

Second, deregulation and bureaucratization. the founder of the country's first decacorn Gojek said that many teachers and lecturers lamented the administrative burden that affected the teaching and learning activities.

“It reportedly did not relate to students. Many institutions are willing to improve education quality, but with the regulations. Are those needed or beneficial for the students’ learning process?” he said.

Third, investment and innovation. Nadiem Makarim underlined that investment depended on the quality of human resources. According to him, many studies, skills, and competencies in the country’s education were not required in jobs, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Fourth, creating jobs. The minister said that the ministry must establish an institution that not only creates employees but also employment and entrepreneurship.

“Creativity and entrepreneurship are connected. Creativity and arts are the souls of business. Whatever we want to create, it must be developed since a young age,” he added

Fifth, technological empowerment. Nadiem mentioned that many had wrong perceptions regarding technology and education. Moreover, some people said he would replace all education systems with [online] applications. “That is quite funny.”

Nadiem Makarim stressed that educational activity occurred in two rooms; students and teachers at a class as well as parents and students at home. “That’s the key. Technology cannot replace such a connection. Because the best learning could be achieved should there be a strong inner connection and trust,” the minister concluded.

HALIDA BUNGA