Jakarta, INTI – As technology continues to shape the world, Indonesia is preparing its students to stay ahead. Beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, schools across the country will be allowed to offer coding and artificial intelligence (AI) as elective subjects, following the issuance of Regulation No. 13 of 2025 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen).
According to Toni Toharudin, Head of the Education Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Agency (BSKAP), the inclusion of coding and AI in schools is a strategic move to respond to technological advancements and to develop Indonesian learners into individuals who are critical thinkers, ethical, productive, and responsible in utilizing and advancing technology.
Gradual Implementation in Selected Grades
The introduction of these subjects will not be applied across all grade levels immediately. The Ministry stated that the implementation will start gradually, specifically for Grade 5 in elementary school, Grade 7 in junior high school, and Grade 10 in senior high school.
“Coding and AI will be introduced as elective subjects, skills-based subjects in special education, and as skill enhancement subjects in equivalency education. This will be done progressively from Grade 5 to Grade 12 or its equivalent,” Toni explained during the socialization webinar of the new regulation, streamed on the Ministry’s YouTube channel on Tuesday July 22, 2025.
Not Mandatory for All Schools
Laksmi Dewi, Head of the Curriculum and Learning Center at Kemendikdasmen, emphasized that the subjects are not mandatory, especially for schools that lack the infrastructure or resources to support them.
“These are elective subjects. That means it’s up to schools that feel prepared to implement them starting this new academic year. It’s not compulsory,” she clarified.
The ministry reassures schools that there is no obligation to implement the subjects immediately in the 2025/2026 academic year. The rollout will be staged over time based on readiness.
Extracurricular and Co-curricular Options Available
For schools that are not fully equipped but still wish to introduce coding and AI to students, the subjects may initially be offered as extracurricular or co-curricular activities.
“If you're not ready yet, don’t force it. You can start by offering these subjects through extracurricular programs, then move to co-curricular, and eventually integrate them into the core curriculum,” Laksmi added.
Allocated Learning Hours and Teacher Readiness
The ministry has also set a clear allocation of instructional hours:
- Grade 5 (elementary): 72 hours/year
- Grade 6: 64 hours/year
- Grades 7–8 (junior high): 72 hours/year
Grade 9: 64 hours/year
- Grade 10 (senior high): 72 hours/year
- Grades 11–12: Integrated into other subjects
Laksmi assured that the availability of trained teachers and necessary infrastructure has been considered to support the effective implementation of these new learning programs.
Conclusion
With the enactment of Ministerial Regulation No. 13 of 2025 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Indonesia demonstrates its strong commitment to preparing the younger generation for the digital era. Although its implementation will be gradual and optional, this step marks a significant milestone in shaping an education ecosystem that is adaptive to technological developments such as coding and artificial intelligence.
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