Bill to ensure teachers' protection

JAKARTA: Teachers throughout the country, especially those in remote areas and strife-torn places, will soon have legal protection as the government is finalizing a bill that will ensure their security.

Chairman of the Indonesian Teachers Union (PGRI) Mohamad Surya said on Thursday that the bill, drafted in response to a rising incidence of violence and mistreatment against teachers by parents of students and government officials, would be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) early next year.

Surya said PGRI had received reports of violence and abuse committed against teachers in Tangerang, Kalimantan, Aceh and other regions.

"These cases have not been resolved due to the absence of laws," said Surya, adding that at least 115 teachers had disappeared or been killed in Aceh since the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) launched their fight for independence in 1976.

Surya said that the bill would also oversee the teachers' social and security guarantee, professional development and welfare. --JP