
Exploring the Role of SSO in Enhancing Education in Indonesia
Streamlining Access to Educational Resources with Single Sign-On
Over the past 12 months, I spent majority of my time contributing in one of the biggest, and one of the hairy projects I've ever been involved in; Exploring the Role of SSO in Enhancing Education in Indonesia. With rapid changes of priorities, and eventful year that we have in 2022, the GovTech Edu team had the chance to learn and explore the opportunities presented by The Ministry of Education, Research and Technology of Indonesia, Nadiem Makarim, that is ; Streamlining Access to Educational Resources with Single Sign-On called Akun Belajar.id.
In this blog, I will share a little bit of my contribution, challenges that I faced during the past 12 months or more in providing accessibilities to the account's users, kicking of the initiatives of tackling the issue with the power of branding and strategy of marketing, and streamlining capabilities to the product owners, of whom we'd hand over the product back to when we reach a "good enough state".
My contribution
Product Design Strategy Research & User Testing Branding
Year
2021 - 2022
The team
Tribe Leader: Bagus Satriya PM: Rachel Sihombing, Larry Aderino, Medina Ayunda and all the Activation & User Management Tribe from GovTech

Process
What is SSO, why is it important in Civic Technology, especially Edu-tech
Single sign-on (SSO) is a method of authentication that allows users to access multiple applications and systems using a single set of login credentials. This means that users only have to enter their login information once, and they will be able to access all of their authorized applications and systems without having to enter their login details again.
SSO is important in civic technology, particularly in the education sector, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it can significantly improve the user experience by eliminating the need for users to remember multiple sets of login credentials. This can be especially beneficial in education settings, where students and teachers may have to access a variety of different systems and applications on a daily basis.
Another reason why SSO is important in edu-tech is that it can improve security by reducing the number of places where login credentials are stored. With traditional authentication methods, users may have to remember login details for each individual system and application they use, increasing the risk of password reuse and other security vulnerabilities. With SSO, however, login credentials are stored in a central location, making it easier to secure and manage them.
In addition to improving the user experience and security, SSO can also help organizations save time and resources. With SSO, IT staff don't have to spend as much time helping users reset forgotten passwords or assisting with login issues. This can free up valuable time and resources that can be redirected towards other important tasks.
Overall, SSO is an important tool in the field of civic technology, and it can be particularly beneficial in the education sector. By simplifying the login process, improving security, and reducing the burden on IT staff, SSO can help organizations and users alike get the most out of their technology.
In a country like Indonesia, apart from its education policy, what are the other challenges in building such a product?
There are several challenges that may arise when building a single sign-on (SSO) product in Indonesia, or any other country. Some of these challenges may include:
- Technological infrastructure: In order to implement SSO, an organization must have a reliable and secure technological infrastructure in place. This may involve investing in hardware and software, as well as ensuring that the necessary security measures are in place to protect login credentials and sensitive data.
- User adoption: SSO can be a significant change for users, and it may take some time for them to get used to the new login process. It's important to provide training and support to ensure that users are able to take full advantage of the SSO system.
- Data privacy and security: Ensuring that login credentials and sensitive data are protected is essential when building an SSO system. This may involve implementing additional security measures such as two-factor authentication or implementing strict data governance policies.
- Integration with existing systems: One of the main benefits of SSO is its ability to integrate with multiple systems and applications. However, this can also be a challenge, as it may require extensive testing and troubleshooting to ensure that the SSO system is able to work seamlessly with all of the different systems and applications it will be used with.
- Cost: Building an SSO system can be a significant investment, and it may take some time for the benefits of the system to be realized. As such, it's important to carefully consider the costs and benefits of implementing SSO to ensure that it is the right decision for an organization.
Digital Adoption & Economy, The Youth and Internet Literacy
Indonesia's student population is set to increase significantly in the coming years, as a new influx of workers enters the job market. This presents both challenges and opportunities for the country's businesses, as they seek to bridge the gap between students and the workforce.
One of the key challenges facing Indonesia's businesses is the need to prepare for the influx of new workers. With a large and growing student population, there is a risk that companies may struggle to keep up with demand for skilled workers, leading to a gap between the skills of students and the needs of the workforce.
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for businesses to adopt digital technologies and leverage the power of the digital economy. By investing in digital adoption and training programs, companies can help to close the gap between students and the workforce, and ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the job market.
What did we actually do for the users;
The Team
As a team, we have played a crucial role in helping to liaise with the government's staff, needs, and priorities, as well as aligning with other tribes and organizations. With a team of up to 400 people, we have been able to bring together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to ensure that the single sign-on (SSO) product meets the needs of all stakeholders.
One of the key areas in which we have contributed is in our ability to engage with the government's staff and understand their needs and priorities. Through regular meetings and consultations, we have been able to gather valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the government, and have used this information to inform the development of the SSO product.
In addition to our work with the government, we have also been instrumental in aligning with other tribes and organizations. By building strong relationships with these groups, we have been able to ensure that the SSO product is aligned with the needs and goals of all stakeholders. This has included working closely with other tribes to identify areas of common ground and developing strategies for collaboration and cooperation.
As product designer
As a key contributor to the development of the single sign-on (SSO) product, I have played a significant role in shaping its designs, strategy, and research. Drawing on my extensive experience in the field, I have worked closely with the team to ensure that the product meets the needs of our users and addresses the challenges they face.
One of the key areas in which I have contributed is in the design of the product. I have worked closely with the design team to develop intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for users to access their authorized systems and applications. I have also played a key role in developing the product's overall strategy, helping to identify opportunities for growth and identifying ways to leverage our strengths to achieve our business objectives.
In addition to my work on the product's design and strategy, I have also been heavily involved in the research and development process. I have helped to identify key areas for research and have worked closely with the team to ensure that we have the necessary data and insights to inform our decisions. I have also helped to develop a robust testing and evaluation process to ensure that the product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
The Spotlight from "Nadiem Makarim, in UN Headquartes for Transforming Education Summit"
On a recent visit to the United Nations Headquarters, Minister Nadiem Makarim spoke passionately about the role of education technology in driving progress and improving outcomes for students. In his address, the Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning, and emphasized the need to ensure that all students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
The Minister emphasized the potential of education technology to transform the way we approach learning, and highlighted a number of initiatives that are already making a difference in this regard. He cited examples of successful edtech programs that are helping to improve student outcomes and increase access to education, and argued that these initiatives should be scaled up and replicated in other parts of the world.
In addition to his focus on edtech, the Minister also touched on the importance of collaboration and cooperation in driving progress in the education sector. He encouraged governments, educators, and other stakeholders to work together to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the education system, and argued that by doing so, we can help to create a more equitable and inclusive society.





Outcome
An Irreversible Change for The Future of Indonesian Education.
Digital Connectivity, Community Empowerment, Closing the Industry Gap and Needs
The implementation of single sign-on (SSO) in Indonesia's education system has had a number of positive outcomes, including increased connectivity, stronger community empowerment, and new opportunities for all stakeholders.
One of the key benefits of SSO in the education sector has been increased connectivity. By allowing students and teachers to access a variety of systems and applications using a single set of login credentials, SSO has made it easier for users to connect with one another and access the resources they need to succeed. This has helped to create a more cohesive and connected community of learners, which in turn has led to improved outcomes and higher levels of engagement.
In addition to increasing connectivity, SSO has also helped to empower the education community by giving users more control over their online experiences. By eliminating the need to remember multiple sets of login credentials, SSO has made it easier for users to access the resources and systems they need, enabling them to take a more active role in their own learning and development.
Finally, SSO has opened up new opportunities for all stakeholders in the education sector. By providing a more seamless and secure login process, SSO has made it easier for industry partners to engage with the education community, leading to increased collaboration and the development of new resources and initiatives.
Overall, the implementation of SSO in Indonesian education has had a number of positive outcomes, including increased connectivity, stronger community empowerment, and new opportunities for all stakeholders. These outcomes are helping to create a more cohesive and connected education community, and are paving the way for future success and growth.