Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia At Virtual Peak Celebration of National Teachers’ Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Indonesian Teachers Union (PGRI), 28 November 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us all,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greeting of virtue.
Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,
Distinguished Chairperson of the Indonesian Teachers Union (PGRI) Prof. Dr. Unifah Rosyidi and the officials from all corners of the country,
Distinguished teachers, lecturers throughout the country,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this auspicious occasion, allow me to express my highest gratitude and appreciation to all teachers in Indonesia. Amidst difficulties during the pandemic, teachers continue to bring innovation and creation in maintaining the implementation of learning process both online and offline, through home visit.
These drastic changes are indeed hard. It is hard. Teachers must swiftly adapt to the changes and the use of the technology, to change the learning method, and to work hard to teach the students well. Nevertheless, COVID-19 pandemic must not lower the quality of learning process. The limit must also be overcome through creativity to make students learn with full spirit and also to motivate self-learning.
We must overcome challenges in education sector during the pandemic through a synergy and cooperation since education is a joint responsibility. Educating children is not only the task of teachers. The role of parents as the first teachers in family is crucial. Their love and guidance determine the success of learning process. Thus, communication and cooperation between teachers and parents must be intensified.
Distinguished teachers,
I know that many parents want the schools to be reopened. However, we must remain vigilant because health and safety is the most important thing. Health and safety of teachers and students are the Government’s first priority. Health protocols must be strictly followed both at schools and at home. It is because the key to curb COVID-19 is common discipline to limit the spread and prevent the transmission to students.
The Government understands several difficulties faced by teachers during the pandemic. For that reason, the Government has issued several policies to support the teachers in carrying on learning process and to support their welfare.
Let me cite several examples. The use of budget allocated in the School Operational Assistance (BOS) to disburse salary of non-tenured teachers has exceeded 50 percent. The Government also provides wage subsidy to 1.8 million teachers and non-tenured teachers in which each recipient receives Rp600,000 for three months, internet data package subsidy for teachers, and several other programs to increase the quality of teachers, such as Learning Teacher Program, Sharing Teacher Page, and Webinar Series on Learning Teacher.
In September, I signed Presidential Regulation Number 98 of 2020 on Salary and Allowances of Contract-based Government Employees (PPPK). I want contract-based teachers have equal salary and allowances as state civil apparatus. I have ordered related ministries/institutions and regional governments to coordinate and collaborate in recruiting more PPPK teachers in 2021.
Distinguished Guests,
The Government has noted that the need of new teachers must be filled immediately. To date, non-tenured teachers play an important role in providing education in Indonesia. However, not all non-tenured teachers can apply for the civil servant enrollment test (CPNS) due to their age limit which is stipulated by the Law. For that reason, the needs of new teachers will be met through recruitment of PPPK teachers who have equal welfare guarantee and career path as civil servants.
In 2021, we will recruit a considerable number of PPPK teachers. Based on Presidential Regulation Number 98 of 2020 on Salary and Allowances of Contract-based Government Employees (PPPK), PPPK teachers are obliged to receive equal salary and allowances as other civil servants. I hope it can bring a significant impact on the welfare of teachers in Indonesia and can increase our education quality.
Last but not least, Happy National Teachers’ Day and happy 75th birthday of the PGRI. I thank all teachers who have been working hard and who never give up amidst their difficulties.
Thank you for fostering the nation’s children into excellent human resources who always love the country.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Translated by Rany Anjany S
Reviewed by M. Ersan Pamungkas