President Prabowo Subianto‘s call for significant budget reductions across ministries and state agencies has led to the government reducing the quota for this year’s teacher certification program. This move has sown doubt among educators about the new administration’s dedication to enhancing teacher welfare.
Broken Promises: Prabowo Subianto’s Teacher Certification Quota Cut
During an emotional speech on National Teachers’ Day in November 2024, Prabowo had pledged to register more than 800,000 teachers in the Teachers’ Professional Education (PPG) program. This initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to honoring and supporting the nation’s educators.
The Importance of the PPG Program
The PPG program not only provides teachers with a professional teaching certificate but also offers them eligibility for monthly benefits equal to their basic salary if they are civil servants. For non-civil servant teachers who complete the program, a Rp 2 million (US$123) allowance is awarded monthly.
Half-Cut: The Ministry’s Decision
However, Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti recently announced that the PPG quota would be halved for this year as a response to the President’s budget reduction orders. This decision has dashed the hopes of many educators who were anticipating the benefits of the PPG program.
Fiscal Consolidation and Danantara
Presidential Instruction No. 1/2025, issued in January, mandated budget cuts totaling Rp 306.9 trillion to fund key initiatives such as the free nutritious meals program. Recently, Prabowo announced plans to save more than Rp 750 trillion through multiple phases of fiscal consolidation this year, with the savings intended for Danantara, a new sovereign wealth fund.
Education Minister Addresses the Controversy
Minister Abdul Mu’ti reassured lawmakers and the public that the implementation of the PPG program would still receive attention, aligning with the President’s directive. He made this statement during a meeting with House of Representatives Commission X, which oversees education, on February 12.
The Future of Teacher Welfare
The abrupt reduction in the PPG program’s quota has triggered widespread skepticism among educators about the government’s priorities. While the regulation outlines a commitment to educational development, the slashing of funds for essential programs raises questions about the feasibility of improving teacher welfare within the current financial framework.
What Should Educators Do Now?
As the education community navigates the budget cuts, discussions have begun on alternative ways to support teacher training and retention. Some educators advocate for grassroots initiatives that could compensate for the reduction in government funding, while others call for more transparent communication about the government’s future plans for education.
Conclusion
The government’s move to halve the PPG quota sends a mixed message to the nation’s educators. While the expressed intentions behind Prabowo’s administration are commendable, the reality of significant budget cuts casts doubt on the administration’s ability to fulfill these promises. As we move forward, it will be crucial to closely monitor the implementation of key educational programs and advocate for solutions that support both teacher welfare and the quality of education.
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