UPI Ready to Implement Distance Learning in Line with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology's Circular

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has stated its preparedness to implement the Distance Learning (PJJ) policy in accordance with the circular from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yulianto, issued on 2 April 2026. This readiness was conveyed by Prof Dr Ahmad Yani, M.Si, Director of the Directorate for Curriculum Development, Digital Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Metaverse at UPI, at his office on Tuesday (7 April 2026). According to Prof Ahmad, UPI has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing digital learning through the establishment of a dedicated directorate handling technology-based curriculum and learning. This step serves as a crucial foundation for responding to the PJJ policy in an adaptive and contextual manner. “Institutionally, UPI is already prepared. In fact, we are currently pioneering the development of PJJ-based study programmes, targeting up to 15 programmes this year,” he stated. He further explained that PJJ implementation will not be uniform or based on student year levels, but rather tailored to the characteristics of the courses. Theory-based courses are deemed more suitable for online delivery, while practical courses will still require in-person learning. UPI will also conduct a comprehensive inventory of courses, lecturing staff, and digital module readiness before fully applying the policy. This approach is considered essential to ensure that PJJ maintains learning quality while fulfilling administrative aspects. From an infrastructure perspective, UPI has prepared enhancements to its digital learning platform, which will continue to be developed, including improvements to the Integrated Online Learning System (SPOT) and integration of learning interaction monitoring. Additionally, lecturers are encouraged to complete digital learning modules comprising text, videos, assignments, and evaluations. “The main challenge is not the policy itself, but the readiness of digital learning content. Modules must be comprehensive, and lecturer-student interactions must be guaranteed for PJJ to run effectively,” he clarified. To maintain learning standards, UPI emphasises the importance of monitoring student activities through workload systems and interaction-based evaluations. This aligns with the university’s preparations for outcome-based education (OBE). Prof Ahmad stressed that the success of PJJ heavily depends on students’ awareness in the learning process. “It is the students who learn. As an institution, we have prepared the facilities, lecturers, and systems. It is now up to the students to utilise these opportunities to absorb knowledge,” he remarked. UPI is currently awaiting further official instructions from university leadership regarding the full implementation timeline, while continuing technical preparations in collaboration with the Directorate of Information Technology Systems and Data Centre (DSTIPD) and the Directorate of Education.