“For next year, we have allocated scholarships for 150,000 teachers without bachelor’s degrees, and this has been included in the 2026 budget,” Mu'ti said at a press briefing.
The scholarships will be provided through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, which allows teachers’ past academic achievements, informal education, and work experience to be converted into course credits, helping them complete degrees faster.
This year, the ministry awarded scholarships to 12,500 teachers, each receiving Rp3 million (about US$180) per semester.
“We hope the program can be completed within one year so that participants can graduate the following year,” Mu'ti said.
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He added that the ministry will expand the Teachers Professional Education (PPG) program next year, targeting 800,000 participants — up from 600,000 this year.
The ministry has also signed cooperation agreements with teacher education institutions to implement the RPL scheme and ensure teachers meet the minimum qualification of an undergraduate degree.
Mu'ti said the initiative aims to strengthen teacher capacity and welfare, particularly for early childhood and elementary school educators, many of whom still lack university qualifications.
“This program reflects our commitment, and the President’s, to improving teacher quality across Indonesia,” he said.
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Translator: Hana Dewi, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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