DPR Member Proposes Solution to Honorary Teacher Controversy Through Central Government Affirmation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Muhammad Khozin, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has proposed that the resolution of the controversy over honorary teachers in public schools, which are limited until 31 December 2026, should be addressed through affirmative policies from the central government.

Khozin stated in Jakarta on Monday that such a resolution could optimise regional capabilities to recruit honorary teachers and appoint them as government employees with work agreements (PPPK).

However, for regions with weak fiscal capacity, the option must involve affirmation from the central government.

“The resolution of honorary teachers must involve cross-ministry/institution efforts, such as local governments, the Ministry of PANRB, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Civil Service Agency,” said Khozin.

According to him, the Ministry of Home Affairs records 26 regions categorised as having strong fiscal capacity, comprising 11 provinces, four regencies, and 11 cities.

For medium fiscal capacity, there are 27 regions, including 12 provinces, four regencies, and 12 cities.

Meanwhile, for weak fiscal capacity, the number is substantial at 493 regions, consisting of 15 provinces, 407 regencies, and 70 cities.

“Regions with strong and medium fiscal capacity can pursue the option of appointing honorary teachers as PPPK, either full-time or part-time in the region,” he said.

However, Khozin added, resolution through central affirmation is a moderate step to choose as an exit strategy that promotes a win-win solution to the honorary teacher issue. Moreover, the fact remains that there is still a need for 480,000 teachers across Indonesia.

In addition, he emphasised that resolving the controversy over honorary teachers in public schools must be carried out within the framework of comprehensive improvement in ASN governance management.

“The resolution must be carried out comprehensively and simultaneously, within the framework of ASN management reorganisation as mandated by Law No. 20 of 2023 on Civil Servants,” he said.