Initiatives and programs in digital education
Indonesia has implemented various initiatives and programs to encourage digital-based education nationwide. One notable program is Merdeka Belajar, which translates to "independent learning," launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Merdeka Belajar is a new curriculum aimed at providing more freedom and autonomy for students and teachers, involving the utilization of information and communication technologies in learning processes. To support this initiative, the government has developed several online platforms that deliver various educational services to optimize teaching, learning, and administrative processes in Indonesian schools, as well as training programs to equip teachers with proficiency in digital teaching. Thousands of schools have received ICT devices from the ministry, such as laptops and projectors, to support the program further.Moreover, private organizations and EdTech startups have also played a significant role in driving digital education in Indonesia. Companies such as Ruangguru and Zenius provide accessible digital learning platforms that offer a wide range of content for students across all academic levels, including interactive tutoring services, video lessons, and national exam preparations. In 2022, Ruangguru was among the ten leading startups in Indonesia, recording a total funding amount of around 205 million U.S. dollars, marking them as one of the most valuable EdTech companies in the country.
