Over the past decade, the development of Indonesia’s education sector has progressed rapidly. This is inseparable from the policies and programs developed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which aim to ensure equity, equity and improved access to comprehensive education. The positive impact of these policies is being felt not only by students, but also by educators, educators, and the broader community.
Vivi Andriani, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, emphasized the importance of efforts to increase equity, equity and expand access to education. The ministry said several policies have been implemented by the ministry, including education support programs such as the Indonesia Smart Program and Affirmation of Secondary and Tertiary Education.
“Many children remain underserved and some are not attending school at all, so we need to make sure these policies work,” Education said on Thursday (October 17). – Bibi said this during the *Merdeka Belajar* (Freedom of Learning) webinar broadcast on the Ministry of Culture, Research and Technology’s YouTube channel.
She added that over the past five years, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology has implemented several important policies through the *Merdeka Belahar* programme. These initiatives aim to make learning in schools more student-centered and in line with the potential and capabilities of each institution. This is achieved through balanced funding, including the allocation of BOS funding, which is distributed differently based on the needs of the region and each institution, such as special education schools (SLBs) and technical schools (SMKs). is also supported.
Mr. Bibi explained that the *Merdeka Belahar* program not only improves students’ learning outcomes but also has a positive impact on education as a whole. Teachers are now encouraged to continuously learn and develop themselves through the training available on the *Merdeka Mengajar* (Freedom to Teach) platform (PMM). “Educational reform is not just about students, but also about teachers. Teachers are now better prepared and capable of teaching using more effective methods,” she said.
At the same seminar, Ms. Fitriana, the national coordinator of the *Kami Pengajar* (We Educators) community, shared her perspective as a teacher on the impact of *Merdeka Belajar*. According to her, the program has inspired changes in a variety of areas including educational technology, policy, leadership, and curriculum.
“Merdeka Belajar has motivated teachers to continue learning. The program not only increases teacher capacity, but also improves educational facilities and ensures that teachers work in a safe and comfortable environment. ”Fitoriana said.
*Sidina/Eve Pengelak* (Sidina/Mother Mover) Community Chairperson Susi Skaesi said more than 200 facilitators were ready to support *Merdeka Belajar* interaction from a parent perspective. I did.
“We support socialization. Our audience is made up of parents and students, and the most requested topic by students is awareness about bullying,” she said.
Mr. Susi said that parents are very satisfied with the *Merdeka Belajar* program as it is very relevant and in line with current developments. She also encouraged her peers to create the *Ibu Pengerak* movement.
“I started this in 2022 with online training sessions on the latest information on *Merdeka Belajar* programs such as *Merdeka Curriculum*, *Pancasila Student Profile*, *Prevention and Response to Violence in Educational Institutions* (PPKSP)* “I planned it,” she explained.
Some of the *Merdeka Belajar* programs she praises include policies for smooth transition from early childhood education (PAUD) to primary school (SD), the PPKSP program that provides a safe space for students, teachers, and principals; *Indonesian language education programs, etc. Book Information System* (SIBI), and *Merdeka Curriculum*.
“The *Merdeka Curriculum* has encouraged students to become more involved in project-based learning and be creative,” Susi added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Armend Immanuel, a student beneficiary of the *Merdeka Belahar Kampus Merdeka* (MBKM) program, praised the *Campas Merdeka* program for having a huge positive impact on him.
“The *Merdeka Student Exchange Program* that I participated in had a great impact on me and brought about many changes and improvements, including developing enthusiasm, confidence and competitiveness,” he said.
Almendo is a student in the Department of Physics Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Musamus University, Merauke. He participated in *Merdeka Student Exchange* (PMM) batch 4 and won the honor of best *PMM Inbound UI Tribal Leader* in batch 4.
The government remains committed to continuing and developing existing education policies to ensure the achievement of Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Vision. In this context, the country’s educational development over the past decade has been an important milestone in its efforts to create a generation that is not only academically capable but also prepared to face evolving global demands.
