Between the Crisis of Adab and the Future: Why Teachers Are the Main Key

The teaching profession is the most noble, tasked with educating the nation’s children. Yet, between the crisis of adab (manners) and the nation’s future, the role of the teacher is often undermined. Some educators neglect their duties, entering classes merely to assign tasks and leave, while the essential emotional connection and direct guidance students need are lost. This ineffective process threatens the dream of a Golden Indonesia 2045, as every student requires a mentor to navigate their unique learning journey. A search engine like Google cannot replace the motivational touch of a real educator.

The method of teaching is also critical. Overly theoretical or convoluted approaches make it difficult for students to grasp the material. Schools and the government must be more progressive in facilitating regular training for teachers, adapting to technological advancements and the psychology of today’s youth. However, demanding professionalism is futile without addressing teacher welfare. We can learn from Japan, which, after the devastation of the atomic bombs, prioritized the search for surviving teachers. This historical decision underscores that a nation’s advancement is rooted in how it honors its educators.

Furthermore, the decline in student character is a pressing issue. Students may appear polite but often disrespect their teachers behind their backs. This adab crisis stems from the lack of structured character education both at home and in school. Academic intelligence without moral integrity will not earn the respect of society. Therefore, schools must make adab a foundational pillar, integrating it into daily activities and assessment systems, not just as a chapter in a textbook. A teacher’s primary duty is not merely to transfer knowledge but to cultivate character and integrity, ensuring the nation’s future is built on a generation that is both intelligent and virtuous.