Education is a key foundation in the development of a nation. In Indonesia, although much progress has been made, there are still serious challenges that need to be overcome to ensure all students receive a quality education. In a meeting with government officials, the MPK in a meeting with the Minister and Director General of education at the PGI revealed some important issues that are being faced by the world of education today. Here are three key issues that must receive immediate attention in order for education in Indonesia to continue to develop and meet the needs of society.
- Unequal Allocation of BOS Funds
The allocation of BOS funds is distributed based on the cost of living and construction cost. The problem of Christian Schools-there are 3,000 Christian Schools that are likely to close in the 3T areas, which receive a small portion of the BOS because it is based on the above distribution. If not helped, these Christian Schools will close, and their students will go to public schools, which will increase the burden on the government. Imagine if there are 1 million students who move, at a cost of 11 million per year, how much the country will be burdened. - Discrimination in Teacher Certification
PPG Teacher Candidates and Certain Teachers. Private school teacher certification is 28%, public school teachers are above 50%-there is discrimination in teacher certification. Mr. Handi suggested the need for acceleration to equalize private teacher certification. - Teacher Shortage in Private Schools
Many Christian School teachers have had a career in Christian Schools, then joined the P3K program. After graduating from P3K and being appointed as ASN, in accordance with the ASN Law, they are withdrawn to become public school teachers. In public schools there is an abundance of teachers, while in private schools there is a shortage of teachers. This happens a lot in Halmahera, East Nusa Tenggara, Tanah Papua, and others. Mr. Handi suggested that "could a Ministerial Regulation be made, so that they can continue to teach in their original schools? Could the local government lend the teacher to a Christian school?"
Minister and Director General's response to this:
- Regarding the BOS Fund, Prof. Iwan responded that there will be additional rules regarding the BOS Fund, namely paying attention to schools in 3T areas and will be implemented starting next school year.
- Regarding Teacher Certification, Prof. Iwan said that Insha Allah there is good news about Certification, which is being brought to the DPR in the near future, which is President Prabowo's Flagship Program, which aims to improve the welfare of teachers.
- Regarding P3K, the Minister said we see no reason for P3K teachers to be taken and placed in public schools. Regarding P3K, there have been many inputs from various parties and we will convey it to the Minister of Administrative Reform (PANRB) to comb through the regulations.
The inputs from PH MPK will hopefully be valuable input for changes in education in Indonesia.