Jakarta, May 3, 2025 – The Europe Today: Trina Fizzanty, Head of the Education Research Center at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), emphasized the ongoing transformation of the country’s education system during the commemoration of National Education Day (Hardiknas) 2025.
Speaking to media on Friday, Fizzanty described Hardiknas 2025 as a pivotal moment to reflect on the strides made in education and to chart its future direction.
“Education is not merely a program, curriculum, or facilities. It is the heartbeat of the nation’s future,” she stated.
Fizzanty praised key initiatives in Indonesian education, citing government focus on teachers’ welfare, the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, school revitalization, and increased access for vulnerable groups. She noted that programs like MBG and Sekolah Unggul (top-performing schools), as well as efforts to improve local schools, are helping to address long-standing disparities.
“This is a form of attention to equitable access to education, which has long been a major challenge,” she remarked.
Fizzanty also highlighted the recent increases in teacher and lecturer allowances as a sign of recognition that the quality of education is deeply tied to the well-being and competency of educators.
She stressed that education today is not confined to academic instruction but is increasingly connected to character development, mental health, and the broader national development ecosystem.
Despite progress, Fizzanty acknowledged persistent challenges in the system, including regional disparities in education quality, limited character development due to academic pressures, and weak digital literacy in several areas.
“We must continue to innovate and ensure that every child, regardless of their location, has access to a high-quality, holistic education,” she concluded.
