Lestari Moerdijat: Online Learning Options Must Be Well-Prepared, Ensuring No Child Loses Their Right to Education
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Lestari Moerdijat, has reminded the government to prepare online learning options thoroughly as a strategy to save fuel oil (BBM) consumption.
The politician, familiarly known as Rerie, emphasised the importance of comprehensive technical steps and policy synchronisation between ministries to ensure that the quality of education does not decline and every child’s right to learn remains protected amid plans for operational efficiency in the education sector.
“A number of comprehensive technical steps, synchronising policies between ministries and local governments, must be taken to ensure that no child loses their right to learn in the implementation of online learning policies,” Lestari said in a written statement on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, stated last week that fuel-saving strategies would be implemented through operational efficiencies in office and school buildings. For the education sector, the government plans to reintroduce online learning methods previously used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Lestari, this plan must be well understood by implementers in the field. Experience with distance learning (PJJ) during the pandemic showed several obstacles, including teachers unprepared for PJJ, additional burdens on parents, and a decline in students’ learning quality.
“Do not let the same mistakes be repeated. Therefore, it is important to prepare it thoroughly,” said Lestari, who is also a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI).
In addition to the readiness of human resources, Lestari emphasised the importance of readiness of supporting facilities and infrastructure, including digital infrastructure. In 2025, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has distributed interactive digital boards (PID), laptops, and external hard drives to 288,865 educational units.
The distribution of these devices is also accompanied by internet access for 8,152 educational units and electricity services for 2,389 educational units.
Lestari stressed that teaching staff must have skills in operating and managing these devices so that PJJ runs effectively.
The senior member of the NasDem Party’s High Council hopes that the central government, local governments, and society can build strong collaboration to support the implementation of PJJ.
“The continuity of quality teaching and learning processes for every child of the nation is very important to realise a competitive next generation in the future,” Lestari emphasised.