Indonesia expands coding and AI curriculum from elementary to high school
The Education Ministry announced a rollout of coding and artificial-intelligence lessons for students starting in grade 5 through senior high, tied to new teacher-training programmes.
Speaking at the Indonesian National Education Convention in Badung, Bali, the education minister outlined a policy to embed coding and artificial-intelligence studies into the curriculum from grade 5 of primary school through senior high. The rollout hinges on extensive teacher-training initiatives, for which the ministry is seeking partnerships with university leaders to boost instructional capacity. In parallel, the ministry is prioritising STEM subjects, aiming to make science and mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for learners.
A deep-learning teaching approach and reinforced character education will also be introduced. Additionally, English will become a mandatory subject starting in grade 3 of elementary school by the 2027/2028 academic year. The overall strategy stresses a coordinated ecosystem linking primary, secondary and higher education to improve overall educational quality.
Why it matters
Equipping Indonesian students with coding, AI and STEM skills prepares a future workforce for the digital economy.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the new compulsory English curriculum and its confidence-building goals, while centrist coverage highlights a broader rollout of coding, AI and STEM education with extensive teacher training.
LEFT
Frames the story as an expansion of compulsory English education aimed at building confidence and aligning with presidential language goals
CENTER
Frames the story as a comprehensive push to embed coding, AI and STEM subjects across all school levels, stressing teacher training and curriculum innovation
The left emphasises
- English will be introduced as a compulsory subject for all elementary schools starting in third grade
- chosen to encourage children to speak confidently without fear of mistakes
- supports President Prabowo Subianto’s calls for early foreign-language learning
In this story
Related stories
4 in this thread