RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, underscored the undeniable role of technology in transforming national education. The statement was made during the Belajaraya 2026 event organized by Jaringan Semua Murid Semua Guru (SMSG) at Jakarta on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

He emphasized that technology is crucial in expanding access and improving the quality of learning across the country.

Minister Brian, stated that technology has opened the door to the democratization of knowledge, making education accessible to all groups rather than being confined to elites. He noted that students can now learn directly from professors at top universities worldwide thanks to digital platforms.

Despite these opportunities, the Minister stressed that technology must be implemented in a structured and systematic way. Without proper management, broad access to information may not yield optimal improvements in learning outcomes.

He reaffirmed that teachers and lecturers remain central to the education ecosystem, serving as mentors who guide students in adapting to technological changes. This aligns with Indonesia’s “Kurikulum Merdeka” reforms, which emphasize teacher empowerment and critical thinking skills.

He also warned that technology has two sides: if misused, it could foster dependency and weaken national capacity. UNESCO studies have similarly highlighted Indonesia’s digital divide, with rural students facing limited access to devices and internet connectivity compared to their urban peers.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening fundamental knowledge, particularly in basic sciences, to ensure students can keep pace with technological advancements. He argued that strong foundations are irreplaceable and essential for long-term adaptability.

“I've always viewed fundamental knowledge as irreplaceable. So, someone with a strong foundational knowledge will be able to keep up with technological developments,” Minister Brian stated.

Technology, he added, should be used as a tool to enhance human capital rather than merely for convenience. In support of this, the government has allocated Rp14 trillion (US$814 million) in 2026 for school revitalization and digitalization programs, including interactive learning devices and expanded scholarships.

The nationwide rollout of Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs), laptops, and digital content packages has been sent to more than 288,000 schools since last year. These initiatives aim to ensure equal access to quality learning materials while preparing students with modern global standards.

The Minister further highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration, with government, industry, and communities playing complementary roles in building a sustainable education ecosystem. SMSG founder Najelaa Shihab echoed this sentiment, noting that education reform cannot succeed without collective action across sectors.