The Ministry Of Education And Culture Discusses Strategies For Teaching Coding And Artificial Intelligence In Elementary Schools

Dok: ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemendikdasmen

The Ministry Of Education And Culture Discusses Strategies For Teaching Coding And Artificial Intelligence In Elementary Schools

, 01 Dec 2024

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Abdul Mu'ti, has engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in elementary schools. This dialogue took place in a roundtable format with the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Atip Latipulhayat, the Minister's Special Staff for Digital Transformation and AI, Muhammad Muchlas Rowi, as well as the Special Staff for Management and Institutional Affairs, Didik Suhardi, the Secretary of the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education and Primary Education, Praptono, along with school principals, teachers, and representatives from the coding and AI education community. "As we know, many developed countries have already begun teaching advanced technologies such as coding and AI at an early age," stated Prof. Mu'ti in a written statement on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The Minister emphasized the intention to introduce this learning initiative starting from elementary education, with plans to make it an elective subject in the 2025-2026 academic year. Prof. Mu'ti highlighted that the primary focus of this discussion is to equip children with 21st-century skills, particularly those that enhance their mastery of rapidly evolving digital technologies. He noted that the integration of technologies like coding and AI is expected to strengthen collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy skills, which are increasingly essential in today's digital workforce. "We greatly appreciate the various inputs we have received on this matter, and we certainly wish to hear more to ensure that this education can be effectively implemented throughout Indonesia," he remarked.

Prof. Mu'ti further noted that despite the mixed reactions regarding the policy of introducing coding and AI in elementary schools, the majority of feedback has been positive.