Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs emphasized that improving the quality of human resources (HR) depends not only on academic education but also on the use of information technology and character development.
The ministry's Acting Director for Media Ecosystem, Farida Dewi Maharani, conveyed this statement while accompanying national and local media representatives during a visit to high-school level Sekolah Rakyat (SRMA) 20 school in Sleman, here on Friday.
"Sekolah Rakyat not only provides free education but also opens access for children to learn through digital approaches, build character, and strengthen their soft skills," Maharani said.
According to her, integrating technology into the learning process reflects the government’s efforts to ensure equal access to quality education in the digital era.
Digital-based learning enables students to broaden their knowledge, adapt to rapid changes, and develop critical and collaborative thinking.
"Technology connects children with the wider world, but it must go hand in hand with character and commitment built from an early age," she stressed.
Maharani added that the Sekolah Rakyat concept aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of creating a globally competitive generation. The program emphasizes not only cognitive aspects but also responsibility, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
She appreciated teachers for integrating technology and character education in daily learning and expressed hope that such efforts would raise awareness of the strategic value of human-centered digital education.
"A developed nation is built not only by intelligent citizens but also by those with strong character," she remarked.
Meanwhile, SRMA 20 Principal Reti Sudarsih said each classroom is now equipped with smartboards, and every student receives a laptop to support digital learning through the Learning Management System (LMS).
