"They will be started in the new academic year (in July 2025), but they are still optional and not yet compulsory subjects," Special Staff to Elementary and Secondary Minister Ma'ruf El Rumi stated at the Antara Heritage Center, Jakarta, on Monday.
He explained that the step is taken as part of technological adaptation.
Rumi explained that AI and coding learning aim to encourage students to not only be users but also leading players in technological advancements.
Rumi further said that AI and coding learning can train students' creativity and thinking to solve all existing problems.
Earlier, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti noted that although AI and coding subjects are optional, they aim to equip children with skills relevant to the present and future.
According to Mu'ti, the initiative is part of the digitalization of education, a flagship program of President Prabowo Subianto to develop student's abilities, such as creativity and collaboration.
The minister emphasized that studying coding and AI involves more than just completing a specific level of education at a certain level, as it also entails cultivating students' non-academic abilities, which can support their future careers.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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