Parliament opens door for psychologists' involvement in national education system
The concept of educators in the education system is not limited solely to classroom teachers but also encompasses various other educational personnel.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Hetifah Sjaifudian, stated that her commission is opening opportunities for the involvement of psychologists and guidance and counselling personnel (BK) in the national education system through revisions to the National Education System Law (Sisdiknas).
According to Hetifah, quoted in Jakarta on Wednesday, the involvement of professional personnel such as psychologists and counsellors is crucially important to support the comprehensive formation of students, not only academically but also in terms of character and psychological well-being.
“We are also discussing how to incorporate contributions from colleagues such as BK and psychologists, for example, whether companion teachers, guidance counselling teachers, or counsellors can be included as other educators,” she said.
According to Hetifah, Commission X is currently examining the possibility of including the roles of guidance and counselling personnel, counsellors, or educational psychologists as part of the educator category in the national education system.
She explained that the concept of educators in the education system is not limited to teachers who teach in the classroom but also includes various other educational personnel who play a role in supporting student development.
In addition to opening opportunities for the role of psychologists, Hetifah conveyed that the revision of the Sisdiknas Law will also regulate several other issues, such as inclusive education, preventing violence in school environments, and strengthening protections for all parties in the education sector.
Hetifah stated that the momentum of this legislative revision is expected to optimise the contributions of psychologists in addressing various problems faced by students, particularly those related to mental health.
“Colleagues (in Commission X) want to use this momentum to resolve mental health issues. So, this is also a new aspect in the regulation of the Sisdiknas Bill, including how psychologists can truly contribute maximally,” she said.