Potential Learning Loss Behind the Discourse on Online Learning

Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR), Maria Yohana Esti Wijayanti, has spotlighted the potential for learning loss in the planned policy of online learning for students. This discourse has emerged as part of the government’s efforts to save fuel oil amid the global situation.

Esti explained learning loss as a phenomenon that causes students to become unmotivated to learn and tend to forget their obligations as pupils. She stated that such a situation occurred during the online learning implemented due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

She assessed that distance learning activities during the pandemic were ineffective for students. “We all know the system (online learning) left problems that are not simple for the education world,” she said in her written statement on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

The online learning system, Esti said, makes students struggle to absorb material. Aspects of discipline, character building, and technological constraints also pose real challenges in the plan to reintroduce distance learning.

“The distance learning system also impacts the psychological and physical health aspects of children,” said this politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.

Esti stated that the government must examine this discourse on online learning for students more deeply. Because, she said, education for the nation’s next generation must not be sacrificed, especially as it has the potential to cause long-term impacts.

“There must still be the best alternative steps to address economic issues due to the possible rise in oil prices because of the global world situation,” said Esti.

Previously, the government opened the option of hybrid learning amid energy-saving efforts due to the global situation. However, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno stated that teaching and learning activities remain prioritised in face-to-face mode.

This was decided after Pratikno held a cross-ministry meeting with Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti and Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.

Pratikno said that the quality of student education remains important to maintain, so the discourse on online learning is not considered urgent. He assessed that the offline learning process must still be optimised even though the global situation is experiencing a crisis.

“Do not let learning loss occur. Therefore, face-to-face learning implementation is prioritised for students,” he said in his statement on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.