DPR proposes additional budget for salaries of part-time PPPK teachers

Teachers are the cornerstone of the quality of education. Therefore, improving welfare, accelerating certification, and strengthening teachers’ competencies have become strategic priorities. Jakarta — Deputy Speaker of Commission X of the DPR RI, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has proposed that the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) promptly submit the budget requirements for the payment of salaries for PPPK part-time teachers under the additional budget expenditure (ABT) scheme. ‘We are asking Mendikdasmen to coordinate with the Minister of Finance to propose the budget through the ABT scheme. This is important so that there is budget certainty and does not burden regional finances, which are currently also constrained,’ Lalu said, as quoted in Jakarta on Thursday. He said this in response to the problem of delays and uncertainty in paying PPPK part-time teachers’ salaries. The issue should not be allowed to persist. He urged the central government to help regional governments pay the salaries of PPPK part-time teachers. Lalu Hadrian then stressed that the state must ensure the welfare of the teachers who have contributed to educating the nation’s people. Lalu called for a special policy from the central government through the Ministry of Basic Education and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) and the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) to resolve the matter. He added that Commission X of the DPR RI will continue to safeguard and advocate for the fate of PPPK part-time teachers so that they receive their rights fairly. ‘Our side in Commission X will continue to fight for the aspirations of PPPK part-time teachers. We must not let those who are at the frontline of education fail to receive welfare certainty,’ he said. Previously, Kemendikdasmen had stated that the government prioritises improving teacher welfare, in addition to two other initiatives, Program Indonesia Pintar (PIP) and Afirmasi Pendidikan Menengah (ADEM), as efforts to equalise access to education. ‘Teachers are the cornerstone of the quality of education. Therefore, increasing welfare, accelerating certification, and strengthening teacher competencies are strategic priorities. We believe that well-off and professional teachers will deliver more meaningful learning for students,’ said Suharti, Secretary-General of Kemendikdasmen. She said that improving teacher welfare is a strategic priority through policy reforms on allowances, accelerated certification, needs-based competency development, and providing special affirmations for teachers in areas with complex geographic and social challenges. This policy is expected to directly affect the quality of teaching.