Muhammadd Akbar Rafsanzani

Muhammad Akbar Rafsanzani is a dedicated and innovative educator whose transformative contributions to teaching have earned him national recognition in Indonesia and beyond. His journey began at the age of 15 as a volunteer, teaching street children and orphans, an experience that solidified his passion for education. Pursuing a degree in Elementary School Teacher Education at Sriwijaya University on a merit scholarship, Akbar honed his skills in social justice, children’s rights, and quality education. After graduating in 2014, he joined the civil service in Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI), a region in South Sumatra grappling with high illiteracy rates and limited resources.  

Faced with significant challenges, including large class sizes, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of infrastructure, Akbar developed innovative teaching methods to inspire his students and address their needs. He introduced STEM-based, project-oriented learning, using creative approaches such as the “Bottle Used” project (a student-designed tool made from repurposed bottles to replace limited instrumental tools), DIY excavator hydraulics and the “Straw Bridge Challenge,” which earned his students gold and silver medals in national competitions. By incorporating local cultural elements and applying asset-based thinking, he made STEM education accessible and engaging for his students, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Akbar’s teaching extends beyond the classroom. He launched programs like “Inspirational Class” and “Guru Tamu” (Guest Teacher), which invite local professionals and parents to share their expertise, teaching students practical life skills and linking education to real-world applications. His initiatives have fostered stronger school-community relationships and increased parental involvement in education. 

A lifelong learner, Akbar pursued an MA in Education and Digital Technologies at the University of Hull as a Chevening scholar, earning the Best Academic Excellent Master Students award. He has shared his expertise at international conferences and trained over 200 schools in Indonesia on implementing the country’s new emancipated curriculum. His mentoring efforts with UNICEF Indonesia and ASEAN teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for underprivileged students, showcased his adaptability and commitment to equitable education. 

Akbar’s dedication to sustainability is evident in his integration of climate change education into the curriculum. He developed a board game, Climate Change: It’s In Our Hands, to teach students about environmental decision-making, inspiring them to plant over 200 native saplings in reforestation efforts. By linking climate education to STEM, Akbar empowers his students to take action on pressing global issues. 

Through his leadership roles, including managing a U.S. State Department funded project addressing sexual violence on university campuses, Akbar has demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive and safe learning environments. His efforts have positively impacted thousands of students, educators, and community members, making him a true advocate for transformative education. 

Muhammad Akbar Rafsanzani exemplifies the power of education to change lives, combining innovation, empathy, and a deep commitment to his students and community. His achievements reflect his vision of preparing young minds for a globalized world while addressing local challenges with creativity and resilience.