Education has become one of the main priorities of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. A series of breakthroughs — even major reforms — have been carried out by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti.
These initiatives aim to improve education quality, starting from teacher welfare to enhancing student facilities.
Teacher allowances are one of the efforts to improve the welfare of educators. Not only has the amount been increased, but the system is now more accountable because the payments are transferred directly to each teacher’s personal bank account.
“Yes. No longer through local governments. This is a breakthrough after 14 years,” Abdul Mu’ti said on the program Info A1 kumparan, quoted Saturday (1/11).
Previously, allowance funds were transferred to regional governments, which often caused delays in payments.
In addition, educational facilities and infrastructure are also being given proper attention. Previously, public schools were prioritized, but now private schools are also being revitalized by the government.
“This is the difference from before. Now, 22% of revitalization goes to private schools. Whether the damage is severe, moderate, or light, above 100,000. Because for many years there was no development,” explained the Secretary of Muhammadiyah’s Central Executive Board.
A major shift has also taken place in improving learning quality. Schools will receive interactive flat panels (IFP). These interactive screens will bring significant changes to the variety of learning materials available to students.
Mu’ti said students benefit greatly from having IFPs in every school, although achieving full nationwide deployment will still require effort.
“First, it increases learning enthusiasm because it’s attractive. Second, it provides richer learning materials because you can download directly,” he said.
“Third, once the first two are achieved, of course student performance will improve,” he added.
IFPs are also part of the effort to drive digitalization starting from schools. Science and technology are advancing rapidly and cannot be ignored.
Mu’ti said that learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be a key focus going forward. He wants to make STEM easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable.
“We’re solving this. I call it the myth that science or STEM is difficult,” he said.
A series of revolutions in education continues. Are there more breakthroughs to come?
Watch Episode 62 of Info A1: “Abdul Mu’ti’s Revolution: Improving Teacher Welfare, Revitalizing Schools, and Advancing Digitalization.” Info A1 is hosted by kumparan Editor-in-Chief Arifin Asydhad, exclusively on kumparan’s YouTube channel.