Online education in Indonesia - statistics & facts
The education landscape in Indonesia is transforming as digital education has experienced significant growth and development in recent years. Since the widespread adoption of online learning during the coronavirus pandemic, many EdTech businesses have emerged and bloomed, leading students and educators to switch from a traditional classroom setting. Although students have returned to schools and funding for EdTech in Indonesia seems to have slowed after the pandemic, the growth of digital education remains. The revenue of Indonesia’s online learning platforms market was estimated to reach 467 million U.S. dollars in 2023, and it is projected to increase steadily in the coming years.
Moreover, private organizations and EdTech startups have also played a significant role in driving digital education in Indonesia. Companies like Ruangguru, CoLearn, and Pintar, among others, have provided accessible digital learning platforms that offer a wide range of content, including interactive tutoring services, video lessons, national exam preparations, and professional education.
Looking ahead, as the demand for online schooling has declined post-pandemic, new trends are expected to emerge. Innovations in online education are likely to expand to offer not only services for students but also professionals. Tackling the challenges in digital awareness, unequal access, and infrastructure development would also further boost the growth of digital education in Indonesia.
Initiatives and programs in digital education
Indonesia has implemented various initiatives and programs to encourage digital-based education nationwide. One notable program launched by the government is Merdeka Belajar, which translates to "independent learning”, a new curriculum aimed at providing more freedom and autonomy for students and teachers, involving the use of information and communication technologies in learning processes. To support this initiative, the government has developed several online platforms that deliver various educational services to optimize teaching, learning, and administrative processes in Indonesian schools, as well as training programs to equip teachers with proficiency in digital teaching.Moreover, private organizations and EdTech startups have also played a significant role in driving digital education in Indonesia. Companies like Ruangguru, CoLearn, and Pintar, among others, have provided accessible digital learning platforms that offer a wide range of content, including interactive tutoring services, video lessons, national exam preparations, and professional education.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the growing prevalence of technology in education, persisting challenges remain to accelerate the government’s goal of digital transformation in education. A significant gap in access to ICT, especially internet access, is still found between students in urban and rural areas. Given that the internet adoption rate in Indonesia is still comparatively lower than in many other Southeast Asian countries, this shows the urgency to improve access and infrastructure as the backbone of digital transformation. Furthermore, it is undeniable that the success of digital education requires both teachers and learners to adapt and be skilled in utilizing technology. However, a recent survey found that the digital safety index in Indonesia’s education sector scored relatively low.Looking ahead, as the demand for online schooling has declined post-pandemic, new trends are expected to emerge. Innovations in online education are likely to expand to offer not only services for students but also professionals. Tackling the challenges in digital awareness, unequal access, and infrastructure development would also further boost the growth of digital education in Indonesia.
