RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening its education reform by adopting student-centered learning practices or Student Based Learning (SBL) that have developed in Japan. This effort is realized through the introduction of a new innovation called “Taman Numerasi” or the Numeracy Park.

According to the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, released on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, this step forms part of a national effort to improve the quality of learning in Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Education in order to build adaptive human resources ready to face global challenges.

Unlike conventional classroom instruction, the Numeracy Park is designed as an interactive physical learning space. Within this environment, students learn mathematical concepts through concrete teaching aids, interactive boards, educational games, and contextual project-based activities. The approach emphasizes the development of logical, critical, and creative thinking skills through real-world problem-solving.

The initiative is part of the National Numeracy Movement, which aims to foster a culture of numeracy across educational institutions. One implementation can be seen at a public elementary school in West Jakarta, SDN 04 Meruya Selatan, which has developed its Numeracy Park under the title INTAN (Innovation of Numeracy Park).

School principal Tri Susilawati stated that the innovation emerged from a shared commitment to improve the quality of mathematics learning.

“We want numeracy to become a culture, not merely a subject. Through the INTAN Numeracy Park, students learn in a more engaging and meaningful way. We hope they will no longer feel intimidated by mathematics, but instead feel challenged to explore,” she said.

Teachers have observed increased student participation and confidence, particularly when learners are presented with contextual numerical challenges. In this approach, teachers act as facilitators who guide the learning process according to each student’s needs.

While student-centered learning in Japan often utilizes contextual exploration of the surrounding environment, Indonesia’s Numeracy Park introduces a more structured approach through a dedicated physical space explicitly focused on improving numeracy skills. The model also integrates a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach, enabling students not only to understand concepts but also to apply them in real-life situations.

In addition, the innovation has attracted international academic attention. Professor Sakai Chihiro from Universitas Hokkaido visited the school to observe the learning implementation and engage in discussions with teachers and students.

Through innovations such as INTAN, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to advancing deeper and more sustainable education transformation. The initiative is expected to cultivate a generation that is not only numerically proficient, but also equipped with critical thinking skills and the adaptability needed to navigate future challenges.