Digital-Based Education for Quality Human Resources

Every revolution is an important agenda in the era. Likewise with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 which has recently been discussed in various communities. The First Industrial Revolution, occurring in Britian the 18th century, was marked by the invention of the first steam engine pioneered by Thomas Savery, Thomas Newcomen, and James Watt.¹ This was followed by the emergence of electricity which triggered the creation of telephones, cars, and airplanes, giving birth to the Second Industrial Revolution. The Third Industrial Revolution occurred due to the development of computers and internet technology which led to a massive cultural shift. Today, through the discovery of five technologies, namely Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, Human-Machine Interfaces, Robot Technology and Sensors, and 3D Printing Technology, the gate to the fourth industrial revolution that utilises Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is opening.²

Repeating history of the previous revolutions, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 also brings fresh air to the progress of mankind in all aspects of life. AI technology has made it possible for a container shipping company from Hong Kong, the Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), to save US $10 million annually. While in India, Apollo Hospitals has successfully utilised AI to predict heart disease in patients’ bodies.³ In Indonesia, the national government has launched a nation-wide project, called ‘Making Indonesia 4.0.’ This is an integrated roadmap to accelerate the development of the national manufacturing industry which is expected to be able to increase its global competitiveness in the digital era.

In order for the project to be successful, the government has set 10 steps as a national priority, namely improving the flow of goods and material; redesigning industrial zones; accommodating sustainability standards; empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); building Indonesia’s digital infrastructure; attracting foreign investment; building an innovation ecosystem; implementing incentives for technology investment; harmonising rules and policies; and improving the quality of human resources (HR).⁴

Improving the quality of human resources (HR) is certainly one of the priorities that deserves full attention from all stakeholders to balance technological and human capabilities. According to the Indonesian Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, the development of quality human resources can be achieved by carrying out several developments in the education sector. At present, the Government of Indonesia has allocated the highest budget ever to the education sector, which is 20% of the total national budget.⁵

Supporting the initiative, in a press release published by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, it was also stated that the government planned to overhaul the education curriculum with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as to improve the quality of vocational schools. By relying on STEAM-based education, it is expected that quality human resources will be produced to sustain Indonesia’s manufacturing and digital economy pillars in the fourth industrial era.⁶

The Indonesian education system has also begun to adapt. One big change took place in 2014 when the Paper-Based National Examination format was transformed into a Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Computer-Based National Examination. Every year, the participants of this new type of national examination record a significant increase in scores. This improvement was recorded in 556 schools in 2015, 4,382 schools in 2016, and 30,577 schools in 2018.⁷

Following the spreading usage of Google Classroom globally, the availability of online courses in Indonesia is also growing. With computers, laptops, and other smart devices, teaching and learning activities can now be carried out in a digital space, no longer making distance a barrier between teachers and students. Books as learning platforms have also been made easier in terms of accessibility and price with the widespread presence of e-books.

Responding to the evolving climate of national education, Mentari Group took the initiative to launch Mentari Digital services that emphasised quality interactive learning methods. This service offers the myON program, which is a digital reading platform that offers more than 10,000 books for members to read online. Another program is Doddle, which is a source of learning material, homework, and assignments for eighteen subjects at secondary school level. Supporting Doddle, Mentari Digital also provides the World Book Online program, which is a comprehensive and accurate online encyclopedia. Mentari Digital also offers Marshall Cavendish Online, which presents a complete multimedia-based curriculum so that students can absorb lessons more effectively.

It is undeniable that technology has become an integral part of human life. Therefore, in the future Mentari Group will continue to spark new ideas in response to the demands of the era, especially in the field of education. Finally, Mentari Group believes that advances in technology are not an obstacle for the teaching and learning process. If we can fully utilise the benefits of technology, it can create many opportunities for Indonesia to build education to create quality human resources.

References:

1. Kumparan: “James Watt dan Kunci Revolusi Industri” [James Watt and the Key to Industrial Revolution]. Published on February 28, 2018.
2. Kompas: “Ki Hadjar Dewantara dan ‘Guncangan’ Pendidikan” [Ki Hadjar Dewantara and Educational ‘Upheaval’]. Published on May 2, 2018.
3. Kontan: “Dampak Artificial Intellegence terhadap Pekerjaan ke Depan” [Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Future Jobs]. Published on May 2, 2018.
4. Kemenperin: “Pemerintah Keluarkan 10 Jurus Jitu Hadapi Revolusi Industri 4.0.” [The Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia: The Government Launched 10 Schemes Facing Industrial Revolution 4.0.]  
5. Kemenkeu: “Ini Tantangan Peningkatan Kualitas SDM Indonesia Hadapi Revolusi Industri 4.0.” [The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia: Challenges to the Improvement of the Indonesian Human Resources Quality to Face Industrial Revolution 4.0]. Published on April 11, 2019.
6. Berita Satu: “Menperin: Kurikulum Pendidikan di Indonesia Perlu Dirombak” [The Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia: Education Curriculum in Indonesia Needs to be Rebuilt]. Published on May 11, 2019.
7. Kemendikbud: “Tentang UNBK” [The Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia: About the Computer-Based National Examination].