Surabaya - Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) led the Second Regional Meeting on Roadmap on Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN. The meeting took place in Surabaya, East Java, and focused on the importance of digital technology in transforming education systems, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.
Suharti, the Secretary-General of Kemendikbudristek, emphasized that the benefits of Technology, Information, and Communication (ICT) in education have been discussed for the past decade. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has marked a crucial moment where the education system has recognized the true potential of ICT in making learning more relevant to the challenges of the 21st century.
Amidst the post-pandemic changes, the global focus is on optimizing digital technology in education. Initially used to ensure continuous learning during school closures, digital tech is now recognized for accelerating learning recovery and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. Under Indonesia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2023, Kemendikbudristek led the coordination of a Roadmap for Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN, reflecting Indonesia's consistent advocacy for transformative education. During its G20 presidency, Indonesia stressed the significance of ICT in education for learning recovery and inclusivity.
Suharti further explained Indonesia's efforts in transforming the education system through the "Merdeka Belajar" movement, which has been massive in Indonesia as the country with the largest number of students and teachers in Southeast Asia and the fourth-largest education system in the world. Through this movement, Indonesia optimizes the use of ICT in education, including providing the "Platform Merdeka Mengajar" (Freedom to Teach Platform) for teachers.
The platform “Merdeka Mengajar” allows teachers to learn independently through modules, personalize teaching through available assessment instruments, and share best practices with fellow teachers. Currently, the platform has more than 2.6 million users and fosters a digital community for teachers.
Throughout Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN, Kemendikbudristek endeavors to strengthen commitments among ASEAN member countries to transform education systems with ICT as a primary driving force. They initiated the development of a Roadmap to realize the commitments outlined in the Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN. This Roadmap serves as a tool for ASEAN countries to achieve digital transformation goals in education through agreed-upon main areas, common milestones, indicative timeframes, and potential partners.
Rodora T. Babaran, Director of Human Development Directorate, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ASEAN Secretariat, stated that ASEAN's 2025 vision emphasizes the importance of skills and knowledge in the digital era. Education is the foundation of ASEAN's inclusive vision. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 focuses on enhancing regional integration and connectivity through digital technology and fostering a collaborative education ecosystem to support knowledge exchange among institutions, educators, and students across ASEAN.
The ASEAN Declaration on Human Resources Development for the Changing World of Work recognizes the dynamic nature of the modern workforce and the need to continuously enhance skills and training. In this context, digital transformation plays a crucial role in reshaping industries and the job market. Education must play a significant role in preparing individuals for the ever-evolving job market.
To achieve this, sustained and strategic efforts are required. The Roadmap on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN is key to realizing this transformation. It is not a static document but a living one that will adapt and evolve with changes in technology and educational needs.
The Roadmap, initiated by Indonesia during its ASEAN chairmanship, aims to: 1) operationalize commitments and actions from the Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN; 2) reaffirm the vision of building a resilient ASEAN community, as outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, by adopting technology-based policies; 3) advance the process of learning recovery, including prioritizing technology, as highlighted in the ASEAN Guidelines on Safe School Reopening, Learning Recovery, and Resilience; 4) harness the potential of digital technology to improve access and participation in education, enhance teaching and learning practices, and enhance education information management.
The Second Regional Meeting on Roadmap on Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN discussed several topics. First, it covered the Post Transforming Education Summit 2022, focusing on how the world reaffirms digital learning and transformation globally. Second, it involved presentations by ASEAN Member States (AMS) on strategies to incorporate digital transformation in the education system. Third, it provided an overview of AMS on the Roadmap on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN, outlining the perspectives of ASEAN member countries on the Roadmap.
This meeting and the initiatives in transforming education through digital technology demonstrate the commitment of ASEAN member countries to building a resilient and digitally integrated region with a collaborative approach to education and skill development.