Chairperson of the Educators and Early Childhood Education Personnel Association (Himpaudi), Netty Herawati, made the remarks here on Tuesday.
"For 17 years, PAUD teachers, who account for 61 percent of the total figure of non-formal teachers, have not been recognized as teachers and have not received allowances (or benefits). With this National Education System Bill, they will be recognized as teachers and get allowances, including Package A, Package B, and Package C (programs to study and obtain school diplomas for adults) teachers," Herawati explained.
Himpaudi has fought for improving the status and welfare of PAUD teachers and finally, the association's feedback has been included in the latest draft of the bill, she said.
"That means, I see there is goodwill and space to give input, even until now," she added.
Regarding public involvement in discussions on the bill, she informed that Himpaudi had been invited and given space to provide inputs, both directly and in writing.
"When I was late in sending the feedback, I was called and messaged several times," she said.
Law No. 14 of 2005 concerning teachers and lecturers stipulates that non-formal PAUD teachers cannot be recognized as formal education providers, which has impacted their status and welfare, she explained.
The government has drafted the National Education System Bill to change several laws regarding education, and the move is based on the 1945 Constitution's mandate.
Meanwhile, chairperson of the Private Education Forum Body (BMPS), Ki Saur Panjaitan, said that he believes the bill can help resolve the problem of inequality between private schools and state schools, although the teachers' salaries and benefits have a different scheme.
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Translator: Indriani, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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