Students are given the freedom to explore their interests and talents. I want that through Merdeka Belajar, going to school can be fun and useful
Pontianak, West Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim stayed at vocational high school SMK Negeri 1 Entikong, West Kalimantan, near the Entikong border post.



"I stayed at SMK Negeri 1 Entikong because I wanted to learn how the learning atmosphere is and what is lacking. At the same time, I want to reminisce because I also had lived in a dormitory for a long time while studying," Makarim remarked here on Wednesday.



The minister felt grateful for being able to stay at a school located near the state border to listen to the aspirations of students and the teaching staff there.



"I know that this school has three teachers participating in the Teachers as Mobilizers Program and implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. It is an incredible spirit of transformation," he said.

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Makarim was present at the SMK Negeri 1 Entikong to listen to the aspirations of school students and teaching staff in the outermost, underdeveloped, and frontier (3T) region and to ensure that benefits of the Merdeka Belajar (Freedom in Learning) policy and program are felt by all stakeholders.



On the occasion, he explained, Merdeka Belajar provides autonomy back to principals, teachers, and students. Teachers are given the freedom to focus on teaching and reduce their administrative workload.



"Students are given the freedom to explore their interests and talents. I want that through Merdeka Belajar, going to school can be fun and useful," he affirmed.


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Makarim cited the example of the Vocational High School (SMK) as the Center of Excellence Program that was launched as one of the episodes of Merdeka Belajar while adding that if industries are keen to contribute or collaborate, then the ministry also provides the funding.



"Why are we doing that? We want SMKs in Indonesia to be connected to the industry maximally," he stressed.



Other programs under Merdeka Belajar is adjustment in using School Operational Assistance (BOS) that also is a form of providing autonomy to schools.


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Translator: Rendra O, Kenzu
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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