Commission X Leader Supports Distance Learning for Students from Semester 5 Upwards to Enhance Energy Efficiency

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR), Lalu Hadrian Irfani, supports the policy of distance learning (PJJ) for university students from the fifth semester upwards. This distance learning policy is seen as contributing to the national energy savings currently being undertaken by the government. “The selective implementation of PJJ not only impacts campus operational efficiency but also contributes to reducing mobility, which ultimately supports national energy savings,” Lalu stated in a written release on Tuesday (7 April 2026). According to him, academic interactions between lecturers and students cannot be fully replaced by technology. “Flexibility is indeed important, but the essence of higher education must not be lost. Academic discussions, character building, and mentoring processes must remain the primary focus,” Lalu said. Additionally, he stated that the implementation of the distance learning policy should be left to the universities. “Universities must be given the leeway to determine the most effective learning model. Lecturers are the parties who best understand students’ needs and the characteristics of the courses they teach,” Lalu said. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto revealed that the policy will begin this week. “Starting this week,” Brian said at the Palace in Jakarta on Monday (6 April 2026). Subsequently, each study programme (prodi) is asked to review which courses can be conducted via distance learning. “This is by arranging lectures to be more concentrated. Of course, once again, this does not reduce learning achievements. It must not disrupt the quality of teaching,” Brian stated. To ensure that the quality of student learning does not diminish, appropriate arrangements need to be applied without altering the targeted learning outcomes. The PJJ method, or online lectures, is made possible by the advancement of information technology already in use in the campus environment.