Distance Learning for University Students in Semesters 5 and Above to Begin This Week

The government will implement distance learning (PJJ) for university students in semesters 5 and above. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto revealed that the policy will begin this week. “Starting this week,” said Brian at the Palace in Jakarta on Monday (6/4/2026). Although not learning in classrooms, he emphasised that the policy should not reduce the quality of learning. “This is done by regulating lectures to be more concentrated. Of course, once again, this does not reduce learning outcomes. It should not disrupt the quality of teaching,” said Brian. The PJJ method, or online lectures, is possible due to advancements in information technology already used in the campus environment. “The use of digital tools, so for registration, applications, checking transcripts, and so on. Student mobility can be simpler because everything is digital, making it far more efficient. We also ask that tasks be as digital as possible, so for example, final assignments that previously had to be printed five times can be reduced,” said Brian. “If there is no improvement, prepare for learning loss again,” said Indra when contacted on Monday (6/4/2026). He urged the government to learn from the experience of implementing distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, many students experienced learning loss due to the unpreparedness of all parties in implementing digital technology-based learning. “The biggest question is whether campuses have learned from what happened during the pandemic? Or have the campuses returned to the traditional model? Without wanting to learn, without any desire to improve the digital technology-based learning process,” said Indra. “There are three things that need to be prepared: infrastructure, infostructure, and infoculture. If all three are not prepared, do not expect a quality process,” emphasised Indra.