Ganjar Prepares IDR 4 Trillion Incentives For Religious Teachers Throughout Indonesia

Ganjar Pranowo (Source: Special)

PURWOREJO - Ganjar Pranowo's concern for Koran teachers and other non-formal religions is not just a promise. The presidential candidate number 3 has prepared a budget of IDR 4 trillion for religious teacher incentives throughout Indonesia.

This was revealed by Ganjar while staying in touch at the An Nawawi Berjan Islamic Boarding School, Purworejo, Sunday (31/12/2023). The program delivered by Ganjar was greeted enthusiastically by the scholars and caregivers of Islamic boarding schools.

"We have launched when Mr. Mahfud was in Sabang, for religious teachers and Koran teachers to get incentives. Yesterday, the term was that Koran teachers got salaries," said Ganjar Pranowo.

The white-haired politician admitted that he had no trouble running the program. Because, he had initiated a similar program while serving as Governor of Central Java.

"At that time I was with Gus Yasin (Deputy Governor of Central Java when Ganjar served for the second period, ed), we have done this practice in Central Java," he explained.

Not only political promises, Ganjar has even calculated the budget needs that will be used for the incentive program for Koran teachers and religious teachers. Namely around Rp. 4 trillion.

"We calculate around Rp. 4 trillion if we use the Central Java pattern. Hopefully this can work," he explained.

Providing incentives to salaries and other religious teachers for Ganjar is very important. Because behind their persistence in teaching there is a responsibility to provide religious knowledge and character for the younger generation.

"Because apart from them teaching religion, I entrust (explained) character. If religious knowledge is good and character is good, the social relationship is good. So when these children meet different religions, groups, and ethnicities, they feel all of them are brothers," said Ganjar.

The program carried by Ganjar-Mahfud received appreciation from the ulama and caregivers of Islamic boarding schools. One of them is KH Yasin Nawawi, the caretaker of the An Nur Bantul Islamic Boarding School, Yogyakarta.

According to him, Ganjar is the only presidential candidate who cares about education, especially Islamic boarding schools. This is evidenced by the existence of an incentive program for Koran teachers and other religious teachers.

"Yes, it is a very positive program. However, the Koran teachers in the village are unconditional fighters, creating a generation that is rakhaqul karimah. It would be extraordinary if Pak Ganjar became president and paid attention to them," he said.

The incentive program for Koran teachers and religious teachers is not spontaneous this time. Instead, it has been practiced while leading Central Java.

"Even though I am from Yogyakarta, I have followed him since he became governor of Central Java. He is also close to scholars and Islamic boarding schools," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by Taj Yasin Maimoen, the former Deputy Governor of Central Java. The incentive program is an effort to be serious in the education of the nation's character.

"For character education, it can be realized by embracing religious teachers. It can also be a collaboration between schools and Islamic boarding schools for character education," he said.