Indonesia implements PISA-based STEM and literacy programs in schools

Schools in Yogyakarta are implementing literacy, numeracy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs aligned with the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) competencies. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, aims to foster critical thinking through a ‘Deep Learning’ approach characterized as mindful, meaningful, and joyful. For example, SMPN 9 Yogyakarta has integrated Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) into daily assessments and utilized project-based STEM learning.

However, legislative leaders have called for consistent implementation to ensure these policies do not remain merely ceremonial. While Indonesia's PISA science and reading scores saw increases, mathematics scores declined by two points to 364 compared to 2022. National Assessment data from 2025 indicates that only 55.7 percent of elementary students reached minimum literacy competency, highlighting ongoing challenges in educational quality and the need for sustained policy execution.