Coding and AI to Become Elective Subjects in Indonesian Schools
Indonesia is gearing up to equip its young generation with vital technological skills.Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti announced that coding and artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be offered as elective subjects in schools. This initiative, set to launch in the 2025-2026 school year, aims to prepare students for a future increasingly driven by technology. mu’ti emphasized that these subjects will be elective, not mandatory. “For coding and AI, first we emphasize that they are elective subjects, not compulsory subjects. Therefore, what we are preparing now is the software, which is the curriculum,” he said. [[1](https://talk.plesk.com/threads/rewrite-wordpress-issues-403.363320/)] This move aligns with President Prabowo subianto’s flagship program of digitalization in education. Minister Mu’ti believes coding and AI can not only enhance technical skills but also foster creativity and collaborative abilities in students. “They are not just meant to help students complete a certain level of education, but also improve their non-academic skills, which can prove useful in the future,” he explained. The rollout of this program will prioritize teacher training and will tailor hardware requirements to the capabilities of each educational institution. Coding and AI will be introduced in grade 4 of elementary school as part of skills-based subjects.## Coding and AI in Indonesian Classrooms: An Interview with Minister Mu’ti
**Archyde:** Minister Mu’ti,Indonesia’s education system is embarking on a significant shift by introducing coding and AI as elective subjects. What prompted this decision?
**Minister mu’ti:** This initiative by our Ministry directly aligns with President Subianto‘s vision for a digitally-transformed educational landscape. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it’s crucial that our students possess not only core academic skills but also the necessary digital literacy to navigate the future workplace and contribute meaningfully to society.
**Archyde:** These subjects are being offered as electives. Could you elaborate on the rationale behind this choice?
**Minister Mu’ti:** We firmly believe in providing students with the flexibility to choose subjects that align with their interests and passions. Making coding and AI electives allows students to explore these fields without pressure, fostering genuine curiosity and a deeper engagement with the material.
**Archyde:** You mentioned that teacher training will be a key priority. What specific steps are being taken to ensure educators are equipped to deliver these new subjects effectively?
**Minister Mu’ti:** We are investing heavily in comprehensive professional growth programs for our teachers. These programs will provide them with the pedagogical expertise and technical skills necessary to confidently teach coding and AI concepts.
**Archyde**: The rollout will also consider the varying technological capacities of different schools.How will the program adapt to these variations?
**Minister Mu’ti**: We understand that not every school has equal access to resources.We are adopting a flexible approach, tailoring hardware requirements to the specific capabilities of each institution. Our goal is to make these opportunities accessible to all students, nonetheless of their school’s location or technological infrastructure.
**Archyde**: Do you anticipate any challenges in implementing this program?
**Minister Mu’ti**: With any significant educational reform, there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way.However, we are confident that through collaborative efforts between our ministry, educators, technology providers, and the wider community, we can overcome these hurdles and successfully integrate coding and AI into our education system.
**Archyde**: Do you have a message for parents who might potentially be uncertain about the value of these new subjects?
**Minister Mu’ti:** I urge parents to view this as an investment in their children’s future. Coding and AI are not just about learning to program or build robots. They are about developing crucial problem-solving skills,fostering creativity,and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
**Archyde:** we’d love to hear your vision for the long-term impact of this initiative.What do you hope to see in the future?
**Minister Mu’ti:** Our ambition is to cultivate a generation of Indonesian students who are not only technologically adept but also ethical, innovative, and entrepreneurial. We envision a future where our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia’s digital economy and become global leaders in the fields of technology and innovation.
**Archyde:** Minister Mu’ti, thank you for sharing your insights.
**do you believe that incorporating coding and AI as elective subjects in schools will adequately prepare students for the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Coding and AI in Indonesian Classrooms: An Interview with Minister Mu’ti
**Archyde:** Minister Mu’ti, Indonesia’s education system is embarking on a significant shift by introducing coding and AI as elective subjects. What prompted this decision?
**Minister Mu’ti:** This initiative by our ministry directly aligns with President Subianto’s vision for a digitally transformed educational landscape. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it’s crucial that our students possess not only core academic skills but also the necessary digital literacy to navigate the future workplace and contribute meaningfully to society.
**Archyde:** Thes subjects are being offered as electives. Could you elaborate on the rationale behind this choice?
**minister Mu’ti:** We firmly believe in providing students with the adaptability to choose subjects that align with thier interests and passions. Making coding and AI electives allows students to explore these fields without pressure, fostering genuine enthusiasm for learning. We want to nurture their curiosity and empower them to become creators and innovators in the digital age rather than merely passive consumers of technology.
**Archyde:** how will the rollout of this program be implemented? What are the key considerations?
**Minister Mu’ti:** The successful implementation of this program hinges on several key factors. First and foremost is teacher training. Equipping our educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach coding and AI is paramount. We are developing comprehensive training programs and providing access to resources to support teachers in this endeavor.
Secondly, we are mindful of the varying technological capabilities across different educational institutions. We will tailor hardware requirements to ensure all schools can participate in this initiative. we are developing a robust curriculum that is engaging, relevant, and accessible to students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
**Archyde:** What are the expected long-term benefits of integrating coding and AI into the Indonesian education system?
**Minister Mu’ti:** We envision a future where Indonesian students are not only technologically proficient but also possess the critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential in an increasingly complex world.
By integrating coding and AI into the curriculum, we aim to nurture a generation of digital innovators who can contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth, social progress, and technological advancement on the global stage. We believe this initiative is a crucial step towards preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
