Distance Learning for Students in Semester 5 and Above: What About Medical Practice?

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendikti Saintek) Brian Yuliarto stated that the policy on distance learning (PJJ) for students from semester 5 upwards is left to the discretion of each campus. The PJJ policy to support the government’s energy efficiency measures is outlined in Circular Letter of Mendikti Saintek No. 2 of 2026 on Adjustments to Work Patterns and Academic Activities, addressed to both State Universities (PTN) and Private Universities (PTS). “How can veterinary medicine students dissect animals through PJJ? So we leave it to each campus. Regarding lectures, we leave it to each campus and study programme,” Brian said when met at the Mendikti Saintek Office on Monday (6/4/2026). “Study programmes know which courses are knowledge-based and can be done hybrid or PJJ. Courses that are intensive, like calculations, formula derivations, or practicals, certainly cannot be PJJ,” he added. In addition to PJJ, Brian urged all universities in Indonesia to provide one day of work from home (WFH) per week for lecturers and educational staff (tendik). “Regarding lecturers, we ask campuses to arrange teaching schedules to be concentrated on certain days. For example, lecturers teach fully from Monday to Thursday, and on Friday they can work from home. This is far more efficient,” Brian said. For information, there are four adjustments to academic activities outlined in the circular. First, university leaders are encouraged to adjust the implementation of academic activities based on the readiness and characteristics of the study programme. Then, the academic activity adjustments referred to are carried out as part of efforts to achieve effectiveness and efficiency in higher education management, while still considering learning outcomes and the academic calendar. Finally, distance learning is not applied to courses or academic activities that require practicals, laboratories, studios, clinics, workshops, field practices, or other forms of learning that must be conducted face-to-face.