Jakarta. On the occasion of the 65th National Education Day (Hardiknas) on May 2, Deputy II of the Presidential Chief of Staff, Abetnego Tarigan, revealed that out of the total of 3 million teachers in Indonesia, only around 1.34 million or approximately 44.9 percent are certified. This indicates that more than one million teachers in Indonesia have not received proper welfare.

Many teachers have to seek additional income to meet their living needs, with some even falling into illegal online loan traps.

"We don't want to hear stories anymore about teachers having to work extra hours after school or even getting trapped in illegal online loans," he said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Abetnego said that the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry is developing a new scheme to expedite teacher certification.

The new scheme will involve several adjustments in the teacher recruitment process, learning methods, and teacher selection. This includes updating data on teachers, adjusting to hybrid learning, and revising the selection process.

The Presidential Staff Office hopes that the minimum target of 800,000 certified teachers can be achieved this year, as part of efforts to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

"The acceleration of teacher certification is crucial to ensure that teachers' income is sufficient for their living needs and to provide social welfare guarantees," he added.

Meanwhile, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo extended his congratulations on National Education Day or Hardiknas, which falls on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

In his post, Jokowi emphasized that from the era of education pioneer Ki Hajar Dewantara to the current digital era, education continues to evolve and adapt. He called on all parties to continue to advance education and maintain the spirit of innovation in every initiative and technology developed.

"Happy National Education Day, may the spirit of advancing education continue to burn bright in every initiative and technology we develop," wrote Jokowi on his social media account @jokowi, posted on Thursday.

His social media account conveyed this message along with an illustration of teachers and students.

The commemoration ceremony for National Education Day 2024 was held by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in Jakarta on Thursday.

Participants from various groups, including elementary, junior high, and high school students, university students, and teachers, enlivened the event by wearing traditional attire.

In his speech, Minister Nadiem Makarim said that this year marks the end of his tenure as the Minister. However, he hoped the Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) program could continue.

"Thank you for being the driving force for change in the progress of education and culture in Indonesia. Let us continue to move forward, carry on the spirit of Independent Learning," said Nadiem on Thursday.

Merdeka Belajar is Nadiem's flagship educational reform, which allows schools to choose between the 2013 curriculum, the concise emergency curriculum, or the independent curriculum, also known as "Kurikulum Merdeka," which the government claims to be more streamlined yet comprehensive.

Nadiem emphasized that the Merdeka Belajar program has become a large and sustainable movement that is part of society. He revealed that this program has provided real benefits for students, university students, and teachers.

Furthermore, Nadiem stated that the presence of Merdeka Belajar has given courage to students and university students to innovate.