Hardiknas 2026, Commission X of the DPR rejects the abolition of the Teacher Training Program

Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, MY Esti Wijayanti (photo: dok. dpr)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, MY Esti Wijayanti, rejected the discourse on the abolition of teacher study programs (Prodi) on the 2026 National Education Day (Hardiknas) anniversary. He emphasized the importance of the role of teachers and educational justice for all children in Indonesia.

"Happy National Education Day, May 2, 2026. Education is not just an annual ceremony, but a momentum to ensure that the State is truly present for all children of the nation. I want to emphasize, there should not be any Indonesian children who cannot go to school. Education is the basic right of every child, not a choice," said MY Esti Wijayanti to reporters, Saturday, May 2.

Referring to the theme of Hardiknas 2026, 'Strengthening Universal Participation to Achieve Quality Education for All', Esti reminded the State to fulfill its obligation to provide decent education facilities for all Indonesian children. He also stated that education must begin with the basic thing, namely the welfare of teachers.

"Because from the hands of teachers, the quality of learning and the future of the nation's generation is formed. There should no longer be teachers who serve with income that is far from enough and in economic uncertainty," he said.

Esti disagreed with the discourse on the abolition of the Faculty of Education at Universities which had been conveyed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek). According to him, the discourse was not relevant to industry needs.

"In this Hardiknas commemoration, we voice the rejection of the abolition of the Education Faculty. We ask that the abolition of the Education Faculty be reconsidered and studied in more depth. Because the fact is that many remote areas still lack teachers," said the PDIP legislator from the Dapil DI Yogyakarta.