The appointment was confirmed via Letter of the Governor of East Java Number 400.3/1110/101.1/2025.
"The appointment is a strategic step in an effort to improve the quality of basic education in the region. We welcome it and (are) ready to collaborate with the INOVASI Program," Lumajang deputy district head, Yudha Adji Kusuma, said in a written statement received on Thursday.
According to Kusuma, the INOVASI Program has helped the Lumajang government immensely in strengthening the quality of education, especially in improving literacy, numeracy, and student character.
"We are optimistic that learning outcomes in schools will continue improving through the support of the Indonesia-Australia government partnership program (implemented) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture," he said.
The program's third phase will chiefly focus on strengthening curriculum and assessment, improving basic skills teaching practices, educational leadership, and attention to gender equality, climate change, disability, and social inclusion in the educational environment, he added.
In addition to improving infrastructure, he said, the local government is also committed to continuing efforts to improve overall education quality so that children can grow and learn optimally.
"We are ready to collaborate and synergize in the INOVASI Program to create quality and equitable education for all children in Lumajang," he affirmed.
Australia and Indonesia have been implementing the INOVASI Program since 2016. The program has contributed to improving literacy and numeracy in Indonesia.
Funding for the third phase of the program will amount to 55 million Australian dollars (Rp575 billion), spread over four years (2024–2027).
The program focuses on strengthening education at the local level to support learning and achievement of basic skills among elementary school students, including children with disabilities.
The program has been implemented in six Indonesian provinces -- North Kalimantan, West Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku -- to support the educational goals of the Indonesian government.
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Translator: Zumrotun Solichah, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Primayanti
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