Education is often called the key to a better future, but what happens when the key itself is outdated, rusted, or even broken? That’s the uncomfortable truth about the current state of the Indonesian education system, as revealed in the eye-opening YouTube video “Indonesian Schools Are Broken, This is the Radical Fix.” But instead of sinking into despair, this moment presents a powerful opportunity for young Indonesians to rise, take ownership, and become active players in reshaping education for the better.

What’s Wrong with the System?
Indonesia ranks low in international education assessments. Many students find school boring or disconnected from real life. Why? The issues are complex, but some of the main problems include the following:

• Outdated Curriculum: Students often memorize facts rather than learn how to think critically or solve problems.
• Teacher-Centered Learning: Many classrooms still rely on passive lectures instead of interactive, student-driven activities.
• Lack of Real-World Skills: Graduates often enter the workforce lacking strong communication, creativity, and digital skills.
• Limited Access to Quality Resources: Not all students have access to inspiring teachers, modern technology, or safe learning environments.

But change doesn’t just come from policymakers—it can begin with you.

The Positive Shift: What’s Already Happening
Despite these challenges, Indonesia is not standing still. New movements are rising, led by educators, tech innovators, and students themselves:

• Alternative Schools and platforms, such as Sekolah Cikal, Ruangguru, and Zenius, are redefining learning by focusing on personalized education, digital tools, and critical thinking.
• Education Startups are bridging the gap between traditional schools and modern learning needs.
• Passionate Teachers and Communities are experimenting with creative teaching approaches—project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and collaborative study groups.

Change is underway, and you can be a part of it.

5 Ways You Can Be Part of the Solution
Here are some practical ways young people in Indonesia can take control of their own learning journey and inspire others to do the same:

1. Be Curious Beyond the Classroom
Don’t let your learning be limited to textbooks or exams. Follow your curiosity. Watch documentaries, join online courses (like Coursera, edX, or even local platforms), read books, and ask questions. The internet is a gateway to the world—use it wisely.

Tip: Try setting aside 30 minutes a day for self-learning. Pick a topic that excites you—coding, psychology, music theory, anything!

2. Build Real-World Skills
Whether it’s public speaking, teamwork, time management, or digital literacy, these are the skills that matter in real life. You don’t need to wait until college or work to build them—start now.

Tip: Join school organizations, volunteer for projects, or create your own side hustle. Every experience teaches something valuable.

3. Speak Up and Collaborate with Teachers
Education is a two-way street. Respectfully voice your opinions, suggest new ways to learn, and offer feedback. Many teachers are open to evolving but need student input to make it meaningful.

Tip: Form a student learning club. Propose small changes—like replacing a lecture with a group discussion or project.

4. Embrace Technology for Good
Your phone can be more than a scroll machine. Use it to learn, connect, and create. From language apps to YouTube tutorials, tech is your learning companion—if you let it be.

Tip: Follow education influencers, subscribe to learning YouTube channels, or create your own content to help others learn.

5. Redefine Success
Grades are important—but they’re not everything. Focus on growth, curiosity, creativity, and purpose. The most successful people aren’t always the ones with straight A’s—they’re the ones who never stop learning and improving.

Tip: Keep a learning journal to reflect on what you’re gaining, not just what you’re scoring.

 
Final Thoughts: You Are the Future
Indonesia’s education system needs a transformation—and that transformation doesn’t only rest on governments or institutions. It starts with the students. With you.

Don’t wait for a perfect system. Be the spark. Seek knowledge. Share what you learn. Lift others up. When youth unite around the belief that education can be better—and take action to make it so—change is not just possible; it’s inevitable.

You are not just the product of the system. You are its most powerful agent of change.