Commemorating The National Teacher's Day, Puan Maharani Asks The Government To Affirm Honorary Teachers To Become State Civil Apparatus

Puan Maharani (Photo: DOK Puan Maharani)

JAKARTA - The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, also commemorates National Teacher's Day which falls every November 25. Puan wished a happy birthday to the 76th anniversary of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI).

"Happy National Teacher's Day 2021 and happy 76th birthday of PGRI. Rise up my teacher, go forward my country," said Puan, Thursday, November 25.

The chairwoman of the PDIP Party Central Executive Board (DPP) appreciated the services of the teachers in educating the nation's children. Puan is grateful that the welfare of teachers is gradually improving.

However, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reminded that there are still many teachers who have not received proper welfare, especially honorary teachers. In the future, Puan hopes, more attention will be paid to the fate of honorary teachers, especially those who have served for a long time.

“Teachers are the spearhead of the nation's education. Their dedication is a boundless struggle that does not know the word surrender. So it is the state's obligation to give the highest appreciation to teachers," said Puan.

On the other hand, Puan appreciated the government's affirmation of honorary teachers who took part in the selection of state civil servants (ASN) with a work agreement (PPPK). It's just that, he assessed, the affirmation needs to be added so that the process of appointing honorary teachers who have been serving for a long time can be accelerated.

"We encourage the government to make it easier to select honorary teachers who have long dedicated themselves to educating our children," said Puan.

According to her, additional affirmations in the PPPK selection will be a form of state appreciation for the dedication of honorary teachers. Because as is known, the welfare of honorary teachers is still very small.

"We hear a lot about how honorary teachers struggle, especially in remote areas of the country, whose salaries are not even sufficient to meet their daily needs," explained Puan.

The grandson of the proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia asked the government to immediately realize its commitment to provide equal welfare to all teachers. Puan emphasized that the DPR RI will continue to oversee every government policy related to teachers.

"One of the supervisory functions of the DPR during this session is directed to the supervision of the one million PPPK teacher program in 2021. The DPR will ensure an even distribution of teachers so that the problem of teacher shortages and equity at every level can be resolved," said Puan.

The DPR RI encourages the quota for the appointment of honorary teachers as ASN to be increased in order to reduce the shortage of teaching staff. Puan assessed that the regional government can make budget efficiency for things that are not too important so that the funds can be allocated for additional teachers.

"We understand that there are limited quotas for each region for the appointment of honorary teachers as ASN. But it all comes back to our commitment to elevating the dignity of teachers as unsung heroes," said Puan.

Not to forget, Puan also thanked all the teachers who for almost two years have been committed to educating and educating the nation's next generation in the midst of the difficult challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, in the midst of limited facilities and infrastructure during distance learning, especially in areas with internet network difficulties.

"Teachers do not give up and are full of determination to ensure that our sons / daughters can get the best possible education. Thank you to the teachers for their dedication so far. Keep up the spirit in strengthening the nation's education," concluded Puan.