By: Junaedi Uko and Erix Hutasoit
Tarakan, North Kalimantan – In commemorating International Education Day, which this year carries the theme of AI and technology, it is important to reflect on how innovation can bridge the education gap, especially in remote areas. Limited access, where schools are often separated by rivers and mountains, bad roads, limited resources and a lack of trained teachers are some of the obstacles that are often encountered, but one major problem that is most glaring is the lack of quality books. This inhibits students from developing basic literacy and numeracy skills. However, technological transformation is starting to bring positive changes to this situation.
Digital Books and Easier Access to Learning
In remote areas that lack physical books, digital books are often a lifesaver. Platforms such as 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 build strong reading habits and thrive academically.”
ORIGINAL ASI: An App to Make Literacy Assessment Easier
ASI ASLI (Indonesian School Children’s Literacy Screening Application) is one of the innovative digital applications developed through the CERDAS Program by the University of Mataram (UNRAM) with the support of INOVASI – an Australia-Indonesia partnership program – ASI ASLI is designed to help teachers assess student reading skills quickly and accurately.
Nur Hikmah Wijaya, Head of SDN Magunjaya 01 in Bekasi, was immediately impressed when she first saw the app in operation. “Measuring students’ reading skills manually takes time and effort. With ASI ASLI, everything becomes easier,” he said.
ASI ASLI automatically scores and categorizes students into several ability levels, ranging from advanced to those who need specialized intervention. “The app provides a detailed analysis of where students are having difficulty, so teachers can immediately adjust teaching methods,” explained Lalu Jazuli, an elementary school supervisor in Central Lombok.
The app can be easily accessed via mobile phone or computer at any time. The manual also makes it easier for teachers to operate ASI ASLI, making it a practical and efficient tool. “ASI ASLI not only reduces teachers’ time to analyze assessment results, but also saves costs because there is no need to print assessment tools repeatedly,” added Jazuli. Last but not least, the app allows teachers to monitor student progress continuously, providing a strong foundation for data-driven learning plans.
The Role of Technology and a Bright Future for Education in Remote Areas
The use of technology and digital platforms in education is not just about convenience-it is about transforming the way learning takes place, especially in areas with limited access to resources. Digital books open up a world of knowledge at students’ fingertips, while apps like ASI ASLI empower teachers to make real-time data-driven decisions.
Lalu Hamdian, an academic from UNRAM, highlighted the economic impact of low literacy levels. “According to the World Literacy Foundation (2022), low literacy skills in Indonesia result in an economic loss of 200 trillion rupiah every year. By improving literacy through tools like ASI ASLI, we are not only helping students, but also investing in the future of the nation,” he added.
Azis bin Wahid, a teacher in Malinau, North Kalimantan, also shared how technology helped him overcome challenges in the classroom. “When physical books are not available, digital books ensure my students still have access to stories and exercises that improve their literacy. ASI ASLI makes it easier for me to identify students who need extra help, so no one is left behind,” she said.
As AI and technology in education continue to evolve, the future looks increasingly promising. With the right tools, collaboration and support, every child-no matter where they are-has the opportunity to learn, develop and reach their full potential.