In a significant move to equip students with future-ready skills, Indonesia’s Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, announced plans to introduce elective lessons on artificial intelligence (AI) and coding. The initiative, set to roll out soon, will begin with fourth-grade students, with plans to expand to higher elementary grades in subsequent years.

"We will introduce AI and coding lessons as electives for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, ensuring the subjects are accessible to those in higher elementary grades," Mu’ti explained, as reported by Antara. While first and second graders will not be included in the initial rollout, the ministry is working to make these lessons available to students in upper elementary grades.

The announcement comes after discussions with Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid, who emphasized the importance of incorporating coding into the national curriculum. The two ministers have been working closely to explore ways to integrate these subjects effectively into the education system.

"We are in agreement on the necessity of a curriculum focused on coding," said Minister Hafid. "This will be a key step in preparing our students for the challenges of the digital age."

In response to the demand for qualified instructors, the ministry is considering hiring new teachers or collaborating with specialized institutions that can offer expertise in AI and coding. However, the lessons will only be available to schools equipped with the necessary technology and reliable internet access, ensuring that students across the nation have the tools to succeed.

The discussion surrounding the inclusion of AI and coding in schools was catalyzed earlier this week by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who urged the government to take proactive steps to keep pace with global developments in technology. "We should not lag behind India in teaching coding," Gibran stated during a gathering on Monday. "To achieve a Golden Indonesia, we need a generation skilled in coding and AI."

This ambitious plan aligns with Indonesia’s broader goal of fostering a generation of experts in digital technologies, positioning the country to play a significant role in the global tech landscape in the years to come.