Ministers to Explore AI and Coding Curriculum Proposal by Vice President Gibran

Ministers to Discuss Coding and AI Curriculum Proposal

Source: Tempo

Context of Discussion

• The Minister of Communications and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has emphasized the necessity to collaborate with the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, on integrating coding and artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational curriculum.
• This initiative aligns with a proposal by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, aiming to equip Indonesian youth with essential digital skills.

Implementation Timeline and Details

• Discussions are in progress, with plans to potentially implement coding and AI subjects as elective courses starting in the 2025/2026 academic year.
• These subjects will be introduced from the fourth grade of primary school, depending on school capabilities and student readiness.

Objectives of the New Curriculum

• The main goal is to prepare Indonesian children for a future dominated by technology, fostering expertise in coding, AI, and other critical digital skills.
• Vice President Gibran urged a proactive approach to avoid falling behind countries like India in nurturing a skilled generation.

Current Status and Challenges

• While the Ministry of Education and Culture evaluates existing teaching models and materials, there is an acknowledgment of challenges, particularly concerning access to technology resources such as laptops.
• Despite these hurdles, the subjects will not be compulsory, catering instead to schools and students who are prepared to adopt them.