Kemendikdasmen: Teacher Professional Allowance Boosts Professionalism, Supports 13-Year Compulsory Education

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has stated that the Teacher Professional Allowance (TPG) serves as a motivation to enhance teacher professionalism in support of the successful implementation of the 13-Year Compulsory Education programme. Vice Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, said in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday that educational progress in every school is inseparable from the role of teachers who continuously work hard to deliver quality and enjoyable learning. One such example of good practice was shared by Budi Iswanti, a teacher at TK Al Muttaqien in Bandar Lampung City, Lampung Province. She utilises the TPG to purchase various learning media, including reference books and an internet subscription to access the GTK platform. All of this is done to support her career development and professionalism as an early childhood education (PAUD) teacher. Furthermore, she is committed to supporting the success of the 13-Year Compulsory Education programme. Together with parents and the school community, she has cultivated literacy habits, implemented play-based learning, and instilled character values in her students. “Enjoyable learning has a significant impact on children’s optimal development. This way, children become healthy and ready to continue their education to the primary school level,” Iswanti said. Another example of good practice was conveyed by Puput Angellica, a teacher at TK Harapan Bangsa Banjarejo in Pringsewu Regency, Lampung. Besides supporting daily living needs, she said the TPG has helped her enhance her professional competence through participation in training, seminars, and educational workshops. Regarding the 13-Year Compulsory Education programme, Puput views it as an excellent initiative to improve the quality of education and provide equal opportunities for every Indonesian child to receive one year of preschool education. She believes that continuous learning innovation greatly influences the learning process in PAUD and prepares students for the next level. “The results from the training inspired me to create learning that is enjoyable, creative, and child-centred through the use of contextual media. With the presence of learning innovation, I hope children will enjoy going to school, have their character shaped, and achieve ideal growth and development,” said Puput.