"Next year, we will provide learning opportunities for teachers who have not yet completed a Diploma 4 (D4) or Bachelor's degree, to pursue their undergraduate studies using the Prior Learning Recognition (RPL) system," Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, said at an event held by the Open University (UT) on Monday.
According to Mu'ti, the ministry has allocated scholarships of Rp3 million (US$174) per semester for 150,000 teachers across Indonesia.
The RPL scholarship method was chosen for teachers to utilize their teaching experience in the past and count toward their undergraduate credits.
"Teachers' welfare is expected to improve if they meet the Bachelor degree qualifications. With the degree, they can participate in the Teacher Professional Education (PPG). PPG will help them to meet the requirements in receiving certification allowances," the minister continued.
This scholarship will be open to all teachers who have not completed their Diploma 4/Bachelor's degree, through a scheme to be announced soon, he said.
Mu'ti stated that this program demonstrates the sustainability of the existing program, with 12,500 teachers currently benefiting.
"This is where we strive to organize the system and ensure that these innovations fulfill the constitutional mandate and become a gateway for us to build quality education," he noted.
"We are aware that quality education begins with quality teachers, and that quality education is also determined by quality learning facilities and infrastructure," he added.
In response, UT Rector Professor Ali Muktiyanto conveyed UT's readiness to partner with the Ministry of Education and Culture to improve teacher quality in Indonesia.
He called synergy between primary and secondary education and higher education crucial.
"UT is part of that ecosystem by providing sustainable pathways for teachers, education personnel, and the entire community to improve their competencies through inclusive higher education," he remarked.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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