Jakarta, INTI - The Makassar City chapter of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) has launched the National Movement for One Million Teachers Proficient in Coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the PGRI Power 2026 program. The initiative aims to strengthen educators’ competencies and professionalism amid the rapid advancement of digital technology.
The event, held in Makassar on Tuesday, was officially opened by Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin, who underscored the importance of teachers adapting to technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence.
Munafri emphasized that improving education quality is essential to preparing younger generations for the future by establishing a strong educational foundation today.
“When we think deeply and carefully about education, we are thinking about the future. A good and successful future must begin with a strong foundation in the present,” he said.
According to Munafri, teachers in the digital era can no longer rely solely on conventional teaching methods. They must also keep pace with technological advancements to ensure that learning remains relevant to students’ needs.
Munafri Highlights the Importance of Teachers Mastering Technology and AI
Munafri explained that technological advancements have significantly transformed various aspects of society, including education systems and teaching methods.
Algorithms and artificial intelligence have become part of everyday life, influencing communication patterns, information access, learning methods, and interactions among younger generations.
This transformation requires educators to continuously improve their understanding of technology and learn how to use it effectively to support classroom activities.
However, Munafri stressed that technological progress does not mean artificial intelligence can completely replace teachers.
Education, he explained, is not merely about delivering lessons and transferring knowledge. It also involves human values, which play an essential role in shaping students’ character.
Empathy, compassion, and the human connection between teachers and students remain fundamental elements of education that technological sophistication cannot fully replace.
Therefore, the main challenge for educators is not to avoid technological developments, but to learn, master, and use technology effectively to improve learning outcomes.
“We want teachers to be able to master technology and use it as an appropriate tool to create a better teaching and learning process for our children,” Munafri said.
He expressed hope that technological proficiency would help teachers deliver more effective, engaging, and innovative learning experiences that align with students’ evolving needs.
Teachers Encouraged to Adapt to Changing Student Characteristics
Beyond technological proficiency, Munafri highlighted the changing characteristics of students across generations, emphasizing the need for educators to understand these differences.
He noted that changes in behavior, communication patterns, and ways of thinking among children in the digital era should not be judged solely by the experiences or educational standards of previous generations.
Munafri recalled that in the past, teachers often commanded a level of authority that encouraged students to maintain a certain distance and exercise greater caution when communicating with them.
However, these dynamics have evolved over time, with students becoming more open and direct in their interactions with educators.
Today's students are generally more willing to ask questions, express opinions, and communicate their perspectives directly to teachers.
“These changes are part of the dynamics of the times that educators need to understand,” he said.
Munafri stressed that shifts in younger generations’ characteristics should be addressed by improving adaptability rather than simply comparing current students with those of previous generations.
Teachers must also understand the language, thought processes, behaviors, and digital environments that influence students’ daily lives and habits.
This understanding is essential for building more effective communication and fostering positive relationships between educators and students.
“Our responsibility is to become adaptive teachers. The key is adaptability and the ability to keep up with developments,” he said.
PGRI Power 2026 Promotes Teacher Professionalism in the Digital Era
Munafri described adaptability as a crucial element in strengthening teacher professionalism amid rapid technological advancement and changing student characteristics.
Teachers who understand technology and students’ needs are better positioned to implement teaching approaches that reflect contemporary developments.
Nevertheless, modern teaching methods must continue to uphold the fundamental values of education, particularly humanity, empathy, and the emotional connection between teachers and students.
Through the National Movement for One Million Teachers Proficient in Coding and Artificial Intelligence under the PGRI Power 2026 program, the Makassar City chapter of PGRI aims to improve educators’ digital competencies while strengthening their professionalism and adaptability.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to prepare teachers for technological change and ensure that learning experiences remain relevant to the needs of today's younger generations.
Conclusion
The PGRI Power 2026 initiative highlights the growing importance of coding, artificial intelligence, and digital adaptability in Indonesia's education sector. Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin emphasized that teachers must embrace technological advancements while preserving the human values essential to education. By strengthening educators' digital skills and understanding of younger generations, the program aims to support more innovative, effective, and relevant learning experiences.
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