Jakarta (Suara Pembaruan: 18/09/06) The government regulation (PP) on Teachers which rules teachers’ certification will be issued this year. This regulation is aimed at improving Indonesian teachers’ professionalism. “There is indeed a delay, because this regulation has to be discussed thoroughly and has to undergo public consultation,” said the National Education Ministry’s head of information and public relation Bambang Wasito Adi when he was contacted by Pembaruan, on Sunday (17/9).

He explained that the government could not rush introducing the regulation which is currently still in the stage of public consultation. The government hopes this regulation could be issued this year the latest.

Previously, this regulation is scheduled to be issued last July. The government has targeted to carry out proficiency test for 25,000 teachers who have possessed bachelor degree (S1) in selected Teachers’ Training Institute (LPTK).Bambang explained that in drawing up a regulation, including the government’s regulation on teachers, the government needs to be extra cautious and have to take various aspects into account. “This is aimed at minimizing any flaws, because some parties might be disadvantaged with the introduction of the Regulation on Teachers and Lecturers,” he explained.

Related to the regulation, Head of Indonesian Teachers’ Association (PGRI) Mohamad Surya, said on Sunday (17/9) that his party is pushing the government to be consistent in carrying out the implementation of any legislation, including the Law on Teachers and Lecturers. “Moreover, the government has to develop human resources in education,” he said.

According to him, issuing a derivative regulation from the law is not enough, as the government should provide the financial means and supporting facilities as well. He emphasized that the endorsement of the Law on Teachers and Lecturers does not resolve any problems. The government should follow up with measures to improve teachers’ welfare, including drawing up salary scale, quality improvement and many others.
 
Preparation

Meanwhile, rector of Jakarta State University (UNJ) Bedjo Sujanto, said on Saturday (16/9) after a graduation ceremony, that upon the issuance of the regulation, the Minister of National Education will issue a ministerial regulation (Permendiknas) concerning teachers certification, as at the same time designate some LPTK to carry out teachers’ certification. “We hope that teachers’ regulation could be issued soon because it will serve as a legal basis on the selection of LPTKs to carry out teachers’ certification program,” said Bedjo.

Bedjo explained that as one of state-owned LPTKs posing as candidate to be selected to carry out teachers’ certification, his side has prepared the program.
“Upon the issuance of the National Education Minister’s regulation, Director General of Higher Education at the National Education Ministry will appoint selected LPTKs  to run this teachers’ certification program. As a former IKIP LPTK, we have been preparing our-self since quiet a long time ago,” he said.