LiputanIslam.com–Indonesian President Joko Widodo said online courses for higher education had become a new normal and would be the next normal as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shown no signs of abating anytime soon.
“Online university courses have become new normal, even [will] be next normal. I am sure there will be new norms that are more innovative and productive,” said President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, Saturday (4/7), as he opened a virtual conference of the Indonesian Chancellors’ Forum.
According to the President, online lectures which had previously been slowly implemented, have now picked up steam. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided valuable lessons for this country, especially universities because it has forced us to develop new ways, new norms, new standards of goodness and merit.
Jokowi added the strategic position of higher education in these crisis conditions is to develop science and technology to produce a productive and competitive young generation who are always fighting for humanity and the advancement of Indonesia.
“I need to emphasize that this noble task cannot be done ordinarily; our opportunities are very narrow,” said the President.
The President also asked higher education to pay great attention to the physical and mental health of students during the pandemic. (ra/Ay / Antara / Kompas)