Term 'Honorary Teacher' Abolished, Consequences of the ASN Law

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, stated that the term ‘honorary teacher’ has now been abolished. They are currently referred to as non-ASN teachers. “For teacher recruitment, it is carried out by local governments. Assignments are also by local governments, including those related to honorary teachers. In fact, the term ‘honorer’ is no longer recognised in the Law, and they are called non-ASN teachers. That is also handled by local governments,” said Mu’ti during a press conference at the Bakom office in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Regarding the widespread issue that non-ASN teachers will no longer be assigned to teach in 2027, Mu’ti described it as a consequence of the ASN Law that has been in effect since 2024. It is known that rumours are circulating stating that teachers with non-ASN status will be prohibited from teaching in public schools starting in 2027. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has provided clarification on the circulating issue. The government claims it is instead preparing a new scheme to ensure employment for non-ASN teachers. Considering the Circular Letter of Mendikdasmen No. 7 of 2026, which contains regulations on the employment period and remuneration for non-ASN teachers until 31 December 2026. Nunuk emphasised that non-ASN teachers will not be laid off in 2027. According to her, the government still requires the presence of non-ASN teachers to this day. “So, there are more than 200,000 non-ASN teachers recorded in Dapodik; they do not yet have ASN status and teach in public schools. Based on our data, we still need their presence,” said Nunuk. Nunuk explained that Kemendikdasmen issued Circular Letter No. 7 of 2026 to provide certainty for the extension of employment periods and remuneration for non-ASN teachers. The circular also states that non-ASN teachers without teaching certificates will receive incentives from Kemendikdasmen. “We issued this circular because local governments need a reference circular so that it can still be extended to non-ASN teachers,” she revealed.