Bridging digital divide during COVID-19 pandemic with the remote learning program on community radio

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the remote learning program conducted by community radios in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was aimed at solving the increasing digital divide after the Indonesian government had enacted Study from Home policy. While some schools were able to carry out online learning, there were schools which encountered difficulties in doing the same due to digital divide. These schools had to look for alternative remote teaching methods. The research uses a qualitative multi-case research method by limiting research subjects to radio stations that once broadcast the remote learning program from mid 2020 until April 2021. This time limit was chosen with the assumption that these radios were able to provide in-depth information about how learning on community radios bridging the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Researchers analyzed seven community radio stations in seven regions in Indonesia. Data was collected from interviews with community radio managers. The results revealed that the emergence of remote learning program in each community radio stations took place as a response to the obstacles faced by locals in accessing digital facilities such as internet access in blank spots areas, access to technological gadgets, and purchasing internet quota. Some areas might face two or even all these problems. Some remote learning initiatives came from the radio management and some other from local school. The programs initiated by the community radio management collaborated with the schools as main partner. Meanwhile, the program that was initiated by schools was managed independently.