Indonesia presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in this year’s High-Level Political Forum 2021. Network for Education Watch (NEW Indonesia) prepared a Civil Society Spotlight Report on SDG 4, which shed light on equity and financing issues in education and highlighted the important role that education plays in the journey towards sustainable and resilient recovery.
Aside from the widening digital divide and the lack of access of learners with disabilities to education, it was also noted that girls and women continue to face barriers to education due to, amongst others, domestic responsibilities and unpaid care work, increased cases of domestic violence, and the surge in early marriages during the pandemic.
The unpreparedness of the government to reopen schools and resume in-person learning was highlighted as a key concern. Other issues include the lack of WASH facilities, poor understanding of health protocols that need to be practiced, and a dismally low education budget to guarantee that schools safely reopen for all learners and teachers.
Some of the key recommendations from NEW Indonesia’s Civil Society Spotlight Report on SDG 4 are as follows:
- Secure increased and targeted education budget through mobilising resources and expanding domestic financing to be able to implement inclusive education policies with the aim of addressing the equity concerns in public education and the massive gaps in formal, informal, and non-formal education during and beyond the pandemic.
- Provide effective distance learning solutions, both online and offline delivery, that address the specific learning needs of all learners, especially marginalised groups, and provide quality informal and non-formal education to enable school dropouts and adult learners to continue learning.
- Build the capacities of teachers and parents to aid learners in adapting to the shift to online and distance learning, ensuring its integration in the curriculum and certification assessments of prospective educators.
- Improve cross-sectoral cooperation and coordination to ensure the quality of digital access and minimise disparities in access to educational facilities, infrastructure, and technology. It is necessary to cooperate with other technical ministries in strengthening technology and information technology infrastructure.
- Strengthen policy support to address the impact of the pandemic on mental health on learners, teachers and parents. This involves strengthening an inter-ecosystem channel in education and the development of a network of professionals working in counselling and health facilities of educational institutions to deliver a holistic support system for education.
Click here to read the full Indonesia Civil Society Spotlight Report on SDG 4 and here to read the Indonesia VNR Main Messages.
aspbae 