Integrated National Schools to holistically develop students' potential, says minister

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated that the implementation of Integrated National Schools (SNT) supports the optimal development of students’ potential and aspirations. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti said that integration within SNT concerns not only educational levels or school buildings, but also the entire educational ecosystem that supports student development. “So what is integrated is not just the levels and buildings, but also learning, teacher development, character building, talent development, facility utilisation, and quality assurance. Thus, student development can be supported more holistically and sustainably,” said Mendikdasmen Abdul Mu’ti in a written statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. Through this approach, the Minister said SNT is expected to become a space where every student not only learns, but also gets to know themselves, discovers their strengths, develops talents, and builds character to dare to shape their future aspirations. He noted that the opportunity to be part of the first cohort of SNT 7 Bogor made him even more enthusiastic about recognising his own potential and taking it to a higher level. “I go to school here because I want better facilities, to pursue my academics, and to improve myself to a new level,” said Misel. Misel’s interest does not stop at one field. He wants to continue exploring science and computers, while also broadening his knowledge because he aspires to become a researcher studying living things and history. Misel’s story illustrates that a child’s potential is not solely determined by medals, trophies, or achievements already attained. Head of SNT 7 Bogor Fitriyani said initial mapping of the first cohort of students showed great diversity in potential, ranging from languages and science to the arts. She mentioned that there are students who are proficient in English and Arabic, have excelled in olympiads, and possess artistic talents; one student even has experience in dance and has represented Indonesia at the international level. “In the initial conditions, we have already seen so many extraordinary talents and interests. There are children with potential in languages, science, and the arts,” said Fitriyani. This diversity serves as one of the foundations for SNT 7 Bogor in building a learning environment that provides opportunities for every student to develop according to their respective potential.