Written by: Dian Kusuma Dewi
In the quiet classrooms of Sidoarjo, Ponorogo, and Gresik in East Java, Indonesia, a silent revolution is unfolding – one that is helping children like 10-year-old Maya turn their dream of becoming an architect into reality. Once daunted by basic math, Maya now confidently tackles problems that once left her puzzled, as a result of a transformative numeracy program led by INOVASI, a partnership program of Australia and Indonesia, in partnership with Muhammadiyah and LP Ma’arif Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).
Indonesia’s challenges in mathematics education have long been a concern. The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranked Indonesia 69th out of 81 countries in mathematics, with an average score of only 366 – far below the OECD average. This stark reality has spurred educators and policymakers to search for innovative ways to bolster foundational skills, particularly at the primary level.
In response, INOVASI launched an initiative in 2018 aimed at improving literacy and numeracy in primary schools (SD) and madrasahs (MI) in East Java. The numeracy component of the program specifically targets Sidoarjo, Gresik, and Ponorogo, involving nine primary schools and nine madrasahs in each district. Through extensive subnational and national networks, both Muhammadiyah and Ma’arif NU now actively support these education pilots, ensuring long-term sustainability.
A key element of the program’s success is its focus on teacher empowerment. A total of 119 teachers from Muhammadiyah institutions have received specialized literacy and numeracy training – with 101 female teachers and 18 male teachers benefiting from these efforts. The training has transformed traditional, textbook-based instruction into engaging, interactive lessons. As Sonah, Principal of SD Muhammadiyah 3 Ikrom Sidoarjo, explains, “The most prominent outcome of numeracy training and mentoring is the way teachers now teach in a non-conventional manner. They have started using engaging media, making mathematics no longer a daunting subject.” In fact, the 2023 education report for numeracy at her school recorded a 90% achievement rate, which rose to 100% in 2024 – indicating that students had met the minimum competency standard.
At Sonah’s school, female students not only lead extracurricular activities in mathematics, science, and lead role play as young doctors, and young creators, but they also reflect the strength and determination of the women leading them. These leaders—both among the students and the teaching staff—have overcome traditional educational barriers and outdated practices by embracing innovative methods that empower creative thinking. Spot checks conducted by INOVASI in 2022 reveal that 92% of teachers from Muhammadiyah partner schools now use concrete objects in teaching, while 67% incorporate word problems to deepen students’ conceptual understanding of numeracy.
“For a long time, I taught straight from the textbook,” recalls Lizana Nadya, a teacher at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Taman Sidoarjo in East Java. “Before the literacy and numeracy training, my lessons were basic and lacked creativity. But the training opened my eyes to new teaching media that made lessons more engaging. I noticed that students grasp concepts faster when I use visual aids rather than just verbal explanations. In numeracy, for instance, students used to rely on counting with their fingers; now, with the new media, they understand concepts much more easily.” Lizana’s experience underscores the critical lessons that innovative training can impart, breaking down long-held obstacles and paving the way for transformative learning.
In Gresik, Cicik Indrawati, Principal of SD Al Islam Muhammadiyah Gresik, shares a similar sentiment: “The numeracy program has been received with great enthusiasm. We fully support this initiative developed in collaboration with INOVASI. Our teachers have started creating innovative teaching methods and media, making classes more engaging and fun. We’re committed to ensuring that these literacy and numeracy practices aren’t limited to lower grades but are implemented across all levels.”
Sonah’s, Lizana’s, and Cicik’s leadership and relentless commitment not only highlight the triumphs over systemic challenges but also underscore the invaluable role women play in shaping the future. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their adaptability and innovation serve as a powerful reminder that women in leadership are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. Through their experiences, they prove that women can lead with strength, resilience and vision, inspiring the new generation of female leaders to thrive.
For a young girl like Maya, the INOVASI initiative is more than just an educational program – it’s a lifeline to her dreams. When Maya looks at the bridges and skyscrapers that once inspired her, she now sees a future filled with possibility. With improved numeracy skills and the right support, she believes she can one day design the very structures that inspire her today. Numeracy education taught at school serves as a provision for learning in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), it has a transformative impact on Maya’s life. Access to quality education not only opens opportunities for girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields but also serves as a key to breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting gender equality in the future.
The partnership between INOVASI, Muhammadiyah, and LP Ma’arif NU proves that when educators, communities, and policymakers work together, real change can happen—one step at a time. By empowering women and girls through education, we are not only building a more just future but also creating a more advanced and inclusive world for all —one step at a time.