The role of human resources in enhancing scientific literacy to improve the quality of education for Indonesia’s Golden Year 2045

Abstract

Strengthening human resources (HR) is essential to improve education quality and realize Indonesia’s Golden Year 2045. Low scientific and digital literacy among students, uneven teacher preparedness, and traditional curricula hinder the nation’s capacity to innovate. This study used a qualitative approach conducted from March 4 to April 20, 2023, in two junior high schools in Tangerang Regency. Data were collected through purposive semi-structured interviews with principals, science teachers, and students, and document analysis of curricula, lesson plans, assessments,. Data were thematically analyzed with triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checking to ensure trustworthiness. Findings reveal that HR—teachers, school leaders, policymakers, higher education, and students—play pivotal roles in enhancing scientific literacy. Effective professional development, leadership support for inquiry-based , accessible digital learning resources, and student engagement in research activities significantly improved scientific reasoning, experimentation, and innovation mindsets. Conversely, weak HR systems and theoretical pre-service training limited classroom translation of competencies. The study concludes that coordinated investment in teacher capacity, curriculum reform toward outcome-based and STEM-integrated training, student-centered research opportunities, and governance incentives are necessary to raise scientific literacy