Photo: Elizabeth Lydia Malinda, Program Officer of Djarum Foundation’s Educational Commitment, Dr. Yuli Rifyani, M.Pd., Supervisor of SMK Partnered with Djarum Foundation, Dr. Alif Noor Hidayati, M.Pd., Widyaprada of BBPMP, Partnership Secretary Tatik Lestari, M.Pd., Sri Wiyani, M.Si., SPI Coordinator Sudaryanto, and Education Consultant Dr. Tartib Supriyadi, M.Pd.
Kudus – BBPMP Central Java. The Partnership Team of BBPMP Central Java held a coordination meeting with the Djarum Foundation. The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 12, 2023, was an effort to garner support from development partners to help the Kudus Regency Government meet the Standard Minimum Service (SPM) for Education. The team, consisting of Regional Leader Dr. Alif Noorhidayati, M.Pd., Education Consultant Dr. Tartib Supriyadi, M.Pd., Partnership Team Members Sri Wiyani, M.Pd., Tatik Lestari, MM, and Sudaryanta, M.Si, and SMK Supervisor Dr. Yuli Rifiani, M.Pd., was warmly received by the Program Officer of Djarum Foundation’s Educational Commitment, Elizabeth Lydia Malinda.
Alif conveyed that, according to the Education Report, Kudus Regency’s best achievement was in the field of elementary Literacy. However, the numeracy skills of elementary students showed the highest improvement and, at the same time, the lowest achievement. Furthermore, the educational SPM achievement stood at 78, categorized as “Tuntas Muda” from a maximum score of 100, indicating that there’s still room for improvement in enhancing education quality. He emphasized the need for collaboration to set targets, define what needs to be achieved, and determine the approach. “Certainly, the role of Development Partners like Djarum Foundation is highly anticipated in supporting the enhancement of education quality,” expressed Wdyaprada, who has been recognized as the National Best Instructor.
Tartib Supriyadi underlined the importance of Minimum Service Standards in the field of Education that regions need to meet. “SPM is measured by 15 indicators, including the participation rate of 5-6-year-olds, 7-15-year-olds, and 7-18-year-olds in equivalent education, the average literacy and numeracy competence of students, the proportion of accredited minimum B early childhood education, early childhood educators with DIV/S1 education qualifications, safety and inclusivity indexes,” explained this quality assurance expert from Sragen. He further stressed that the responsibility for achieving SPM cannot be shouldered solely by Disdikpora and requires support from various stakeholders.
Lydia welcomed the valuable inputs provided during the discussion. “In principle, we at Djarum Foundation’s Educational Commitment are delighted to contribute to the improvement of education in Kudus Regency,” said this Bangor University alumnus with a specialization in banking and finance. The discussion on solutions for educational challenges eventually narrowed down to three programs: 1) Developing the human resources capacity of Disdikpora, particularly in relation to policy changes in education and personal potential/competence mapping, 2) Achieving SPM, including APS and the quality of educational outcomes, 3) The need for emulating successful practices from regions or countries with similar backgrounds that have made extraordinary breakthroughs in raising educational standards. “We’re approaching the end of the budget cycle, and proposals must be submitted promptly. Every sector is striving to secure the available funding,” noted the seasoned professional in workforce recruitment. (Dar)
