Jakarta – Indonesian students will return to in-person classes immediately following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, officials confirmed Wednesday, reversing earlier considerations for a hybrid learning model. The decision, reached following an inter-ministerial meeting on March 23, prioritizes the academic development and character building of students through traditional classroom instruction. This move comes as a relief to many parents and educators who voiced concerns about the potential drawbacks of prolonged online learning, particularly after the disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shift away from a hybrid approach, which would have combined online and offline learning, was driven by a consensus that face-to-face instruction is crucial for a well-rounded education. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the importance of strengthening students’ character development, a goal seen as more effectively achieved in a school environment. The government’s commitment to in-person learning underscores a broader effort to revitalize the education system and address learning loss experienced during the pandemic. The return to full in-person learning after Eid is a key component of this strategy.
Concerns Over Hybrid Learning and Energy Efficiency
The possibility of a shift to online learning had initially surfaced as part of a government policy focused on energy efficiency. Earlier discussions explored moving school activities online starting in April 2026, a proposal that quickly drew criticism from lawmakers and education stakeholders. Deputy Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), MY Esti Wijayanti, publicly disagreed with the idea, citing the significant challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic when online learning was widely adopted. “We adopted online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know that it created significant challenges for our education system,” Wijayanti stated on March 23, highlighting issues with student comprehension, discipline, and access to technology.
These challenges, echoed by many educators, included difficulties in ensuring students fully grasped learning materials, maintaining discipline in a virtual setting, and fostering the crucial social and emotional development that occurs through in-person interaction. Technological limitations and unequal access to reliable internet connectivity also posed significant hurdles, exacerbating existing inequalities within the education system. The government appears to have acknowledged these concerns in its decision to prioritize in-person learning.
Government Prioritizes Education Revitalization
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing learning as usual, stating, “Student learning will continue as usual.” He underscored that online learning is not currently a priority, emphasizing the demand to preserve the quality of education. Pratikno highlighted the president’s strong focus on the education sector, particularly through initiatives like the revitalization of schools, the Sekolah Rakyat program, and the Sekolah Unggulan Garuda program. These programs aim to improve the overall quality of education across Indonesia.
The revitalization efforts are already having a tangible impact, with a recent report indicating that the school revitalization program has created over 238,000 jobs, according to Antara News. Prabowo Subianto has outlined plans for sweeping school reforms and a digital push within the education system, as reported by Antara News. These initiatives, coupled with collaborative efforts between various ministries to boost school sports programs – as detailed in another Antara News report – demonstrate a comprehensive approach to improving the educational landscape in Indonesia.
Optimizing the Learning Process and Avoiding Learning Loss
Officials are keen to avoid a repeat of the learning loss experienced during the pandemic. Pratikno stressed the importance of optimizing the learning process and ensuring continuity of education through face-to-face instruction, comparing it to the essential nature of continued medical services. The government believes that in-person learning is the most effective way to mitigate learning gaps and provide students with the support they need to succeed.
The decision to maintain in-person classes reflects a broader understanding of the multifaceted benefits of traditional schooling. Beyond academic instruction, schools provide a vital social environment for students, fostering collaboration, communication, and the development of essential life skills. The government’s commitment to this holistic approach to education is evident in its ongoing investments in school infrastructure and teacher training.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, along with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, are all working in concert to accelerate improvements in education quality. The focus remains on providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for all Indonesian students.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to release further guidance to schools regarding preparations for the return to in-person classes after the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Parents and educators are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest updates, and information.
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