Indonesia Prioritizes Education with Record Budget and Teacher Welfare Initiatives
Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, delivered a powerful message of respect and support for teachers at the 2024 National Teacher’s Day Summit, unveiling comprehensive measures to elevate the educational landscape and bolster educator well-being.
The event, held at the Jakarta Velodrome on November 28th, saw thousands of teachers from across the nation assembled, witnessing an unprecedented commitment from the Indonesian government to prioritize education. President Subianto, visibly emotional, expressed profound gratitude to teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
Education Takes Center Stage
President Subianto declared that education is the cornerstone of Indonesia’s progress, unlike other nations that prioritize defense spending in their budgets.
"There is no choice for Indonesia except to rise so we are not seen as just an average country," Subianto emphasized, underlining his administration’s ambition to leverage education as the driving force for national development.
Reinforcing this commitment, the 2025 Indonesian state budget allocates the highest-ever funding to education, marking a historic first for the country.
Teacher Well-being Takes Priority
Recognizing the critical role of teachers, the government has implemented several initiatives to significantly improve their well-being:
- Salary Increase:Non-state civil servant teachers will receive a monthly salary increase of Rp2 million (roughly USD130). State civil servant teachers will receive a one-time bonus equivalent to their basic salary.
- Welfare Budget Boost: The budget for ensuring teacher welfare has been increased to Rp81.6 trillion (roughly USD5.1 billion) in 2025.
- Professional Development: A comprehensive Teacher Professional Education program will benefit 806,486 state and non-state teachers.
Starting in 2025, teachers without at least a Diploma 4 (D4) or Bachelor’s degree (S1) will receive financial assistance to pursue higher education.
- Support for Non-Certified Teachers: Cash transfer assistance aims to improve the welfare of non-certified teachers.
Upgrading Educational Infrastructure
Recognizing the importance of quality learning environments, the government has allocated Rp17.15 trillion (roughly USD1 billion) in 2025 for:
- School Renovations:
10,440 public and private schools will undergo rehabilitation, repairs, and renovations.
- Direct Cash Transfers:
Funds will be disbursed directly to schools, empowering them to manage the assistance and stimulate local economies.
A Personal Touch
President Subianto’s address resonated deeply with the audience, combining policy announcements with heartfelt emotions. He acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to improve teacher welfare and apologized for any inadequacies in meeting their expectations. The president’s tears during his speech underlined his deep respect for the teaching profession and his personal commitment to its elevation.
This historic summit marks a turning point in Indonesia’s educational landscape. The government’s unwavering dedication to teachers and its ambitious plans for educational advancement offer a promising future for the nation.
What are your thoughts on Indonesia’s commitment to education and teacher welfare? Share your insights and perspectives in the comments below.
