Education Ministry Allocates Budget for 150,000 Teachers to Pursue Bachelor's Degrees
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia will allocate a budget in 2026 for 150,000 teachers to pursue undergraduate (S1) education, aiming to enhance the qualifications and quality of educators across Indonesia.
“This year, we are providing a scholarship of Rp3 million per semester for each teacher who has not yet attained an undergraduate degree to participate in S1 education programmes,” stated the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Abdul Mu’ti, in Pangkalpinang on Thursday.
He noted that by 2026, the Ministry will allocate funds for 150,000 teachers to enrol in Diploma 4 (D4) or Bachelor’s (S1) programmes, representing the government’s commitment to upgrading teaching qualifications nationwide.
“This programme is specifically designed for teachers who do not yet hold D4 or S1 qualifications to undergo undergraduate education through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, for which scholarships are provided,” he said.
He emphasised that providing undergraduate education for teachers currently holding Diploma 1, 2, or 3 qualifications is a strategic effort by the Ministry to elevate teaching standards.
“In addition to improving teacher qualifications, we are also conducting various training sessions to enhance the competence and academic skills of these educators,” he added.
He further noted that this year, the Ministry will implement five specific training programmes for teachers, including deep learning training and guidance and counselling training, as all teachers are expected to perform counselling duties as class tutors.
Furthermore, training will include English language instruction, as English is set to become a compulsory subject starting from Year 3 of primary school in 2027, as well as Sport Education Model (SEM) training.
“This year, we are also training teachers to master Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aquaponics. Currently, AI and aquaponics remain elective subjects; however, once sufficient teacher numbers are achieved, they will become compulsory subjects starting from Year 5 of primary school,” he concluded.