Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a heartfelt moment during the National Teachers’ Day 2024 celebration at Velodrome, Jakarta, on Thursday (November 28, 2024), Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was moved to tears as he announced a salary increase for teachers.
Acknowledging the unmet expectations of the nation’s educators, Prabowo apologized sincerely to the thousands of teachers in attendance. “We understand that what we’ve done is not yet sufficient for your needs. Please remember, this is just the beginning, and we will continue to strive,” he said, fighting back tears while recalling his late father, who was also a teacher.
A Vision for Education Reform
President Prabowo reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing education, emphasizing that the prosperity of a nation depends on the quality of its education system, which, in turn, hinges on the welfare of its teachers.
Among the initiatives announced, Prabowo outlined:
- Increased Education Budget: Funding for teacher welfare is set to rise significantly, with allocations for 2025 expected to reach IDR 81.6 trillion, surpassing defense spending.
- Modernizing Infrastructure: Plans include equipping schools nationwide with advanced television systems to ensure remote areas have access to quality education.
- Combating Corruption: He pledged to eliminate financial leakages stemming from corruption, online gambling, smuggling, and other manipulations, which he argued have diverted resources from education.
Salary Increases and Certification Goals
The announced salary increases will benefit civil servant (ASN), contractual (PPPK), and non-ASN teachers, marking a historic move toward equity in the profession. Additionally, the government aims to certify 1,932,666 teachers by 2025, a 620-teacher increase compared to 2024.
Prabowo assured educators that despite the financial strain these reforms place on the state budget, their implementation demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to improving teacher welfare.
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A Message of Patience and Trust
In closing, Prabowo appealed to teachers for patience and trust. “I humbly ask for your resilience and confidence in us,” he said, underlining that their perseverance would help secure Indonesia’s educational future.
This emotional and substantive announcement reflects Prabowo’s recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the nation, positioning them as key drivers of Indonesia’s long-term prosperity.
(Becky)
