Distance Learning for Students: Analyst Urges Government to Learn from COVID-19 Pandemic

JAKARTA - Education analyst Indra Charismiaji has urged the government to learn from experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic before implementing distance learning (PJJ) for students in semesters 5 and above. This is particularly in terms of universities’ readiness for digital-based learning used during PJJ. “The biggest question is whether universities have learned from what happened during the pandemic or if they have reverted to traditional models? Without a willingness to learn and no desire to improve the digital technology-based learning process,” Indra said when contacted on Monday (6/4/2026). If these three aspects are not met, he fears that distance learning for these students will lead to a loss of learning ability or learning loss. “There are three things that need to be prepared: infrastructure, infostructure, and infoculture. If these three are not prepared, do not expect a quality process,” Indra stressed. Previously, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology encouraged universities to prepare distance learning (PJJ) for students in semesters 5 and above to support the government’s energy efficiency policy. “Of course, the circular we issued to the entire Dikti Saintek family, that is PTN and PTS. Although by law PTS are under foundations, but substantively under us,” said Brian when met at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology office on Monday (6/4/2026). In addition to supporting the energy-saving campaign, Brian said the circular was issued to build a more efficient work culture. “Why? Because during COVID-19 we learned that digitalisation is important and it makes us more efficient,” Brian stated. First, university leaders are urged to adjust the implementation of academic activities based on the readiness and characteristics of the study programmes. Then, the academic activity adjustments are part of efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of higher education delivery, while still considering learning outcomes and the academic calendar. Finally, distance learning is not applied to courses or academic activities that require practicums, laboratories, studios, clinics, workshops, field practices, or other forms of learning that must be conducted face-to-face.