After 5 Years of Struggle, Two North Luwu Teachers Cry with Emotion: "Thank You, Mr. Prabowo"

JAKARTA — Two teachers from North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, Abdul Muis and Rasnal, expressed their deep emotion and gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto after receiving a rehabilitation letter restoring their good names.

The rehabilitation letter was handed over by President Prabowo himself at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, early Thursday, November 13th. For both teachers, this decision not only restores their legal status, but also acknowledges the struggle and dignity of teachers in the region.

"My family and I personally express our sincere gratitude to the President for granting us justice. For five years we felt we were treated unfairly, and today the President has come to restore our good names," said Abdul Muis, his voice trembling.

Rasnal, who now teaches at North Luwu State Senior High School 3, also shed tears as he expressed his gratitude.

"After we met with the President, thank God he granted us rehabilitation. I can't say much other than my deepest gratitude to the President. We finally have justice," he said.

He added that the decision was a great blessing that healed the wounds of their long journey seeking justice. "We've waited five years. Now our names have been cleared, and we can return to teaching without stigma," said Rasnal.

President Prabowo is known to have granted this rehabilitation as a form of concern for teachers in the regions who are struggling under limited resources. According to the President, educators who work sincerely in remote areas are the spearheads of the nation's future, and the state must not allow them to be treated unfairly.

"Teachers in the regions are unsung heroes who face difficult challenges. They need to be supported and protected, not blamed for good intentions," Prabowo said in his address during the handover of the rehabilitation letter.

Both also hope that this decision will serve as a lesson so that no more teachers are criminalized while struggling to meet educational needs in the field. "Hopefully, no more teachers will be punished for good intentions. Teachers simply want to ensure children can continue learning," said Abdul Muis.

Their case stemmed from a voluntary policy of collecting Rp 20,000 per parent in 2019 to assist honorary teachers who had not been paid due to administrative issues. However, the policy was reported to the authorities, resulting in legal proceedings.

Now, with President Prabowo's rehabilitation decree, Abdul Muis and Rasnal can return to teaching with their heads held high—carrying the message that the struggles of local teachers must not be left without protection and justice from the state.