Higher Education Minister urges universities to review courses for distance or hybrid learning

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Brian Yuliarto, has urged universities to review courses that can be conducted via distance learning (PJJ) or in a hybrid format. “However, we request that basic-level courses, first-year, and second-year subjects be avoided so that the academic atmosphere can first be established,” said Mendiktisaintek Brian Yuliarto when responding to reporters’ questions during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday. “But once again, these should not be courses that require practical work, studios, and so on,” added Minister Brian. This aligns with the provisions issued by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in Circular Letter (SE) Number 2 of 2026 regarding adjustments to work patterns within the ministry and academic activities at universities. In the SE issued on 2 April 2026, Mendiktisaintek encouraged universities to implement PJJ methods proportionately. The lecture policy is specifically aimed at students from the fifth semester upwards as well as postgraduate programmes. However, exceptions are made for courses that require physical face-to-face interaction, such as practicals, workshops, studios, or clinics. In addition to adjustments to work patterns and lecture schedules, the SE instructs the optimisation of digital platform services for academic and administrative activities. “But we still leave it to each university. The programmes will assess which ones can be conducted online,” said Brian. However, he reminded that online learning must not reduce the quality of education for students. Previously, the government officially implemented a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday, effective from 1 April 2026. Specifically in the education sector, teaching and learning activities for primary to secondary levels remain fully in-person. Meanwhile, for higher education, particularly students from the fourth semester upwards, adjustments will be made in accordance with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s circular.