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| Presidential Advisor on Hajj for the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M.AP., is set to deliver a scientific oration at his professorial inauguration at State University of Malang. (Photo: Rino Humas) |
On February 13, 2025, Presidential Advisor on Hajj for the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M.AP., will deliver a scientific oration at his inauguration as a professor at State University of Malang. He has made significant contributions, including his tenure as Indonesia’s Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) from 2016 to 2019 and as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs from 2019 to 2024.
He has long been active in the field of education, including serving as the rector of Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) for three terms, where he introduced various educational innovations. His contributions eventually brought him to the national stage, where he was entrusted with key leadership roles for Indonesia.
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Muhadjir Effendy is widely recognized for his significant role in shaping education policies in Indonesia. With his strong academic background and extensive experience in the field, he has introduced various innovations to enhance both the quality and accessibility of education across the country.
During his tenure, Muhadjir introduced several strategic policies, including the implementation of Strengthening Character Education (PPK), as outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 87/2017. This program focuses on character development through a comprehensive approach involving schools, families, and communities. Additionally, he introduced the education zoning system to promote equitable access to quality education across different regions.
"The zoning approach is not only applied to new student admissions (PPDB) but also serves to enhance various national education standards, including curriculum development, teacher distribution, and infrastructure quality," Muhadjir stated on one occasion.
In addition, he accelerated the distribution of Indonesia Smart Cards (KIP), benefiting 18.69 million students as part of the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP). He also prioritized the revitalization of vocational education, as mandated by Presidential Instruction No. 9/2016, to enhance the competitiveness of Vocational High School (SMK) graduates in the job market.
Under his leadership, Muhadjir successfully elevated Indonesia's presence on the international stage through his role as President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure, he remained committed to advancing education, science, and culture across the Southeast Asian region.
At the national level, he has also promoted the enhancement of student competencies through various programs, including the National Science Olympiad (OSN), the Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI), the School Literacy Festival (FLS), and the Indonesian Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (FIKSI). These initiatives reflect his dedication to preparing a highly skilled generation capable of competing on a global scale.
The policies introduced by Muhadjir continue to serve as a foundation for Indonesia's education system today. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored with the prestigious Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana award by President Joko Widodo. His contributions have left a lasting impact on efforts to promote educational equity, enhance teacher quality, and strengthen student character as the next generation of the nation. Notably, Prof. Arief Rachman, a prominent Indonesian education expert, praised his leadership, stating that Muhadjir is an educator with a broad educational philosophy, a strong focus on character-based learning, and a global perspective.
During his tenure as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Muhadjir achieved significant milestones and received several prestigious awards. Under his leadership, the ministry successfully reduced the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia, achieving a 9.3% decline over the past five years. The stunting rate dropped sharply from 30.8% in 2018 (Riskesdas) to 21.5% in 2023. This achievement was driven by key strategies, including the distribution of standardized medical equipment to posyandu and puskesmas, as well as the provision of supplementary nutrition for pregnant women and young children.
Another notable initiative was the Simultaneous Measurement and Intervention for Stunting Prevention program, launched in June 2024. The program involved more than 300,000 posyandu and successfully measured the growth of over 16 million children under five. This initiative is expected to further accelerate Indonesia’s efforts in reducing stunting rates nationwide.
Thanks to Muhadjir's policies, improvements in the quality of life of the Indonesian people are also reflected in the steady rise of the Human Development Index (HDI). In 2019, Indonesia's HDI stood at 71.92 points, increasing to 74.39 points in 2023. This growth highlights the positive impact of various government policies focused on education, healthcare, and enhancing overall living standards.
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Muhadjir’s extensive service as Minister of Education and Culture and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture has earned him numerous prestigious awards. In 2024, he received the Pioneer of National Education and Social Empowerment Pasca Award, the Jer Basuki Mawa Beya Badge of Honor, and the Extraordinary Attention Towards the Welfare of the Young Generation Award. His contributions were also recognized in previous years. In 2020, he was honored with the Anugerah Parahita Ekapraya (APE) and the Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana, awarded by President Joko Widodo. That same year, he also received the Best Ministers Obsession Award and was acknowledged as a Local Heroes Activist Figure to UNESCO-Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. These accolades highlight his significant role in advancing education, social empowerment, and youth welfare in Indonesia.
Through these achievements, Muhadjir has demonstrated his dedication and contributions to advancing education and human development in Indonesia. He remains committed to building a more inclusive system and nurturing a generation of highly skilled individuals, preparing them to become the Golden Generation of 2045, capable of competing in the era of globalization. (vin/nam/wil/mrh)
