Demak, Central Java (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has allocated an undergraduate (S1) scholarship program for 150,000 teachers in 2026 to improve the quality and professionalism, especially early childhood, elementary, and junior high school teachers.
“This program is part of the government’s efforts to improve the quality and professionalism of educators, particularly early childhood, elementary, and junior high school teachers,” Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti said after inaugurating public elementary school SDN 2 Wonorejo here on Saturday.
He noted that the number of scholarships had increased significantly compared to the previous year.
“Last year, scholarships were allocated for 12,500 teachers who had not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. This year, we have prepared scholarships for 150,000 teachers,” he said.
Mu’ti explained that the scholarships will use the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, under which teachers’ teaching experience is recognized as academic credits.
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“With the RPL scheme, teaching experience is calculated and recognized by universities, so the S1 program can be completed in about one year,” he said.
Each scholarship is valued at Rp3 million per semester and will be transferred directly to government-appointed higher education institutions.
After completing their studies, teachers will be able to continue to the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program to obtain teaching certification. With the certification, teachers will be eligible to receive professional allowances, which will directly improve their welfare.
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“Once they have an S1 degree, they can join the PPG program, obtain certification, and then become eligible for the teacher professional allowance. This is not only about meeting formal requirements, but also about improving welfare,” he said.
Mu’ti emphasized that improving the quality and welfare of teachers is key to developing high-quality human resources, as quality education can only be achieved with adequate facilities and competent teachers.