Indonesia’s Education Must Empower Students for a Changing World, Says Senior Teacher at MAN 1 Merangin

MeranginM - Friday, May 02nd 2025. In celebration of National Education Day, Mrs. Kris Isnawati Ida, S.Pd., MM., a senior teacher at MAN 1 Merangin, shared her insights on the direction of education in Indonesia. With over two decades of experience in teaching, she offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective on both the challenges and the opportunities the Indonesian education system is facing today.

“Education is not just about transferring knowledge anymore. It’s about preparing students to be adaptable, ethical, and capable of facing the uncertainties of the future,” she said during an informal discussion at the school.

Mrs. Kris believes that while Indonesia has made significant progress—particularly in terms of digital access and curriculum flexibility—there are still deep-rooted issues that need attention. Among them are educational inequality, lack of consistent teacher training, and the struggle to balance character education with academic achievement.

“We are still facing gaps between urban and rural schools in terms of facilities, internet access, and even student motivation,” she noted. “The government has introduced many great programs, but the execution at the ground level still needs strong monitoring and support.”

She sees the Merdeka Curriculum (Independent Curriculum) as a promising opportunity. It encourages creativity, personalized learning, and student autonomy. However, she emphasized that many teachers are still adjusting to the new approach. “The curriculum gives teachers more freedom but with that freedom comes responsibility. Not all teachers are ready yet, especially in remote areas,” she added.

Mrs. Kris also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, collaboration skills, and digital literacy. “In today’s world, students must learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and work in teams. These skills are just as important as mastering academic content.”

She sees teachers as key agents of change, not just instructors. “We need teachers who inspire, who care, who listen. If we want to build a better future, we have to start with empowering our educators,” she said passionately.

Ending her reflection, she expressed optimism. “I believe in the potential of Indonesian students. With the right support, continuous innovation, and a focus on character and competence, we can transform education into a powerful tool for building a just, smart, and civilized nation”. *ANK






*HUMAS MAN 1 Merangin