Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Affirms Commitment to Providing Quality Education

Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen) Fajar Riza Ulhaq (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen) Fajar Riza Ulhaq emphasized the government's commitment to providing quality education for the entire Indonesian nation.

"We with Mr. Mu'ti (Minister Abdul Mu'ti) are committed to providing quality education for all. Education must not widen the gap of social and economic inequality," Fajar said, quoting Antara.

He also said that President Prabowo Subianto had given a mandate to two Muhammadiyah cadres, Mu'ti and Fajar, through the Ministry of Education and Culture to educate the nation from Sabang to Merauke.

He conveyed this when giving a speech at the 122nd Muhammadiyah Milad Reception with the theme "Bringing Prosperity for All" in Depok City, West Java.

According to the man born in Sukabumi, West Java, education should actually be able to provide prosperity for society evenly without religious, racial, and class barriers. This is also attempted by Muhammadiyah, such as by implementing Tanwir Muhammadiyah in Kupang which shows the presence of Muhammadiyah embracing many groups, even though in Kupang Muslims are a minority.

"However, Muhammadiyah is committed to providing the best education for all," he said.

On the same occasion, Fajar also said that the Ministry of Education and Culture's future policy plan will protect the interests of all schools, both public and private.

"We want to position ourselves as partners for all community organizations that provide education. We will treat all equally so that inclusive and equitable education is realized," he said.

In line with this, Fajar looks forward to the Ministry of Education and Culture encouraging school teachers who are appointed in the government employee scheme with a work agreement (PPPK) to continue teaching at their original schools.

"We are currently reviewing and of course must involve several ministries and related government agencies that are related to education issues starting from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, BKN, Ministry of Home Affairs, and local governments," he said.

The former Executive Director of the Maarif Institute advised the Muhammadiyah members who were present to continue to serve and provide the best for improving the quality of national education for the community.

"Muhammadiyah must continue to illuminate the country and be able to collaborate with all the children of the country," he said.

Fajar also reminded that Muhammadiyah since its birth in 1912, founded by KH Ahmad Dahlan, has served to enlighten society through education.

"With this historical capital, Muhammadiyah must be present for the nation, the benefits of Muhammadiyah must be felt by society without barriers," he said.

In the reception, Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Fajar also gave appreciation to outstanding teachers so that they always give their best to educate the nation's generation.