Written by: Junaedi Uko and Erix Hutasoit
Tarakan, North Kalimantan – As the world celebrates International Education Day with a focus on AI and technology, it’s a timely moment to reflect on how innovation can bridge gaps in education, particularly in remote areas. Limited access to internet, geographical isolation from rivers and mountains, broken-down roads, and scarcity of trained teachers are some of the common challenges faced by schools in the heart of Indonesia’s dense tropical forests in North Kalimantan. Consequently, it leads to a continued critical issue: the lack of quality books. This hinders students’ ability to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills. However, technological transformation is starting to bring positive impacts to the narrative.
Digital Books and the Power of Accessible Learning
In remote areas lacking physical books, digital books often become a lifesaver. Platforms like Buku Sekolah Elektronik (BSE) and other e-book services allow students and teachers to access a wide range of learning materials.
In North Kalimantan for example, the use of digital books has significantly improved literacy outcomes. “Digital libraries allow students to access high-quality learning materials without having to wait for physical books to arrive,” said Agus Prayitno, North Kalimantan Province Manager, INOVASI. “This ensures that even children in the most remote areas can develop strong reading habits and thrive academically.”
The ASI ASLI App: Simplifying Literacy Assessment
ASI ASLI (Aplikasi Saring Literasi Anak Sekolah Indonesia) is an innovative digital application developed under the CERDAS program by Universitas Mataram (UNRAM) and supported by INOVASI – the Australia-Indonesia Partnership Program. – ASI ASLI is designed to help teachers assess students’ reading abilities quickly and accurately.
Nur Hikmah Wijaya, Principal of SDN Magunjaya 01 in Bekasi, was immediately impressed when she first saw the app in action. “Assessing students’ reading skills used to be a manual, time-consuming process. We had to administer written tests, ask oral questions, observe students, and analyse the results afterward. It took so much time and energy,” she said.
ASI ASLI simplifies this process by automatically scoring and classifying students into various reading proficiency levels—from advanced to those requiring special intervention. “With this app, teachers no longer need to calculate scores manually. It provides instant results and detailed analysis of where students are facing difficulties,” explained Lalu Jazuli, a primary school supervisor from Central Lombok.
The app is easily accessible via mobile phones or computers and can be used anytime. It also offers guidance to help teachers navigate the platform, making it user-friendly even for those new to technology. “ASI ASLI doesn’t just reduce the time and effort teachers spend on assessments; it also lowers costs by eliminating the need for repeated printing of paper-based tools,” added Jazuli. More importantly, the app allows teachers to track student progress continuously, providing a solid foundation for data-driven learning plans.
The Broader Role of Technology and a Bright Future for Education in Remote Areas
The use of digital tools in education goes beyond convenience—it represents a shift in how learning happens, especially in areas where access to resources is limited. Digital books provide a world of knowledge at students’ fingertips, while apps like ASI ASLI empower teachers to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Lalu Hamdian, an academic from UNRAM, highlighted the broader economic implications of low literacy levels. “According to the World Literacy Foundation (2022), poor literacy skills in Indonesia result in an economic loss of 200 trillion rupiah annually. By improving literacy through tools like ASI ASLI, we’re not just helping students; we’re investing in the nation’s future,” he added.
Azis bin Wahid, a teacher in Malinau, North Kalimantan, also shared how technology has helped him overcome challenges in the classroom. “When physical books aren’t available, digital ones ensure my students still have access to stories and exercises that improve their literacy. Tools like ASI ASLI make it easier to identify students who need extra help, so no one gets left behind,” he said.
As Indonesia continues to embrace AI and technology in education, the future looks promising. With the right tools, collaboration, and support, every child—no matter how remote their home—can have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.