In 2015, the OECD undertook its first comprehensive review of Indonesia's education system (OECD/ADB, 2015 [1]). The report delivered a clear message. At a time when Indonesia was experiencing remarkable economic and social progress, the report showed how education could be a linchpin for greater prosperity. Yet, the country was facing a significant challenge. While access to education had expanded significantly, levels of learning remained low. Now, nearly ten years on, how has Indonesia responded to this challenge? This paper explores the policies launched under the current Merdeka Belajar, or "Emancipated Learning" reform. These policies aim to improve outcomes by transforming the paradigm of Indonesian education. Merdeka Belajar shifts the focus to foundational learning and places strong emphasis on empowering teachers and building their capacity to change instructional practices. It also has a strong focus on making school a joyful experience. This paper examines the potential of these policies to raise learning standards. It also looks at what can be learnt from international experience and research about the factors that will shape the reform's success.
Where does Indonesia stand in improving student outcomes? Interpreting the PISA 2022 resultsThe OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assesses the range of competencies that are important for life beyond school. This includes foundational knowledge and skillsreading, numeracy and scientific literacybut also student well-being and attitudes to school (OECD, 2023[2]).PISA data show that in 2022, more than three in four 15-year-olds in Indonesia did not meet minimum proficiency levels (Level 2) in mathematics and reading (Figure 2). However, PISA 2022 data also reveal some encouraging signs, especially in relation to students' experiences at school.