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The Pandemic Might Leave Indonesian Students Globally Behind

Since March, most schools have remained shut. These are one of the high-risk areas that could be most susceptible to spreading new cases of the virus.

The Indonesian Government has previously taken careful measures to reopen some schools. However, both health experts and teachers have heavily criticized its efforts.

As the fourth Asian country with the biggest population in the world, Indonesia’s economy has recorded 157,800 confirmed case. This represents the second-largest number of confirmed cases in South East Asia.

Over 6,800 people-the largest number in the region- have died from coronavirus. This according to data provided by John Hopkins University.

 

Confirmed Cases in Children above the Global Average

Children between the ages of 9 and 14 have accounted for 6.8% of the total numbers in Indonesia. This is “well above” the global average of 2.5% according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO stated in their latest monthly report that the figure could rise significantly if schools in the country resume face to face lessons.

This will be effective in combating the spread of Coronavirus, especially among students. However, the low standards of education in Indonesia could lead to 69 million being far behind their global peers.

This is according to a new report by Singaporean think tank ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. It said that, prior to the closure of schools, some could consider the standard of education in the country to already be “low and stagnant.”

Only about 40% of Indonesians have internet access. This will further increase the divide, especially outside of the capital city of Java. Only the privileged will likely play a role in determining which group of students will be more fortunate.

“Some groups of students especially high achieving from highly educated parents are however better protected, implying that learning inequality is likely to widen under such conditions.” The report stated.

Addressing Existing Learning Inequalities

The Institute noted that there has been little to no progress recorded between 2003 and 2018 in the country’s 15 year-olds Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

“Therefore school closure could possess a significant risk that the little learning that Indonesian students gain in school could diminish.

The think tank proposes that the government, through the ministry of education and culture, could act fast and find ways to periodically measure how much the closure of schools is affecting students.

Second, the report suggests that the ministry should encourage teachers to randomly practice student assessment and adjust their lessons to adapt to the students’ needs.

“A specific mode of differential teaching should be implemented, which would require enhancing teachers’ ability and motivation, combined with support from parents and local government.”

Meanwhile, Coronavirus shrank Indonesia’s economy by 5.3% in Q2 2020 for the first time in over 20 years. Analysts expect the effects of the worldwide lockdown on the global economy to leave long-lasting scars. Further negative economic news is expected at an estimated 5.1% contraction in Q3.



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