Impact of Covid-19 on Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on various fields, including the field of higher education. During Covid-19, online learning is widely used for addressing closed higher education institutions. Over 90% of countries have implemented a remote learning policy to deal with the pandemic. Impact of Covid-19 impact on state and private higher education institutions in Indonesia and their policies were examined. Indonesia’s higher education institutions have adopted various policies to effectively continue their on-line education and learning according to the guidelines of government and local governments. Particularly the present study focuses on the universities that have the geography education department. Some of these geography department of the universities quickly adapt courses to the on-line situation, while others need time to adapt. Several barriers have occurred, such as limited ICT mastery for some lecturers and students, ineffective online learning, limited internet access for some students and financial difficulties for some students. In response to these problems, some higher education institutions provided guidance to lecturers and students, encouraged lecturers for effective online courses, enhanced online education facilities and media, and offered assistance to students through reduced tuition costs and internet quotas. On the basis of the hybrid teaching allowance granted by the Ministry of Education and Culture, hybrid learning trial have been carried out by some government higher education institutions. Much needs to be taken into account: the local government policies in accordance with the current situation in Covid 19; the different higher education institutions conditions; the different backgrounds and characteristics of students, and all the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Culture. In particular with regard to mutual safety, most students had still to be immunized, which remains a separate barrier to this. Higher education institutions in Indonesia needs to prepare very carefully for learning through hybrid learning, both at the preparation stage, during implementation, and at the monitoring stage, especially due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in mid of 2021. All higher education institutions policies and activities, especially hybrid learning, need to be carefully considered and prioritize the safety of students, education staff and the community.