Indonesia to Provide Scholarships for 150,000 Teachers

The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, led by Minister Abdul Mu'ti, has announced plans to offer scholarships to 150,000 teachers who lack undergraduate degrees. This initiative aims to strengthen teacher capacity and welfare, particularly among early childhood and elementary school educators who often lack university qualifications. The scholarships will be provided through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, allowing teachers to convert their past academic achievements and work experience into course credits. The ministry has also signed agreements with teacher education institutions to implement the RPL scheme.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will provide scholarships to 150,000 teachers without undergraduate degrees in 2026.
  • The scholarships will be provided through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme, allowing teachers to convert their past academic achievements and work experience into course credits.
  • The ministry awarded scholarships to 12,500 teachers this year, each receiving Rp3 million (about US$180) per semester.
  • The Teachers Professional Education (PPG) program will expand next year, targeting 800,000 participants, up from 600,000 this year.
  • The RPL scheme aims to help teachers complete their degrees within one year.
  • The initiative is part of the ministry's commitment to improving teacher quality across Indonesia, supported by the President.
  • The ministry has signed cooperation agreements with teacher education institutions to implement the RPL scheme.
  • Early childhood and elementary school educators, who often lack university qualifications, will be prioritized in this initiative.

Statistics:

  • 150,000 teachers will receive scholarships in 2026.
  • 12,500 teachers received scholarships this year, with each receiving Rp3 million (about US$180) per semester.
  • The RPL scheme aims to help teachers complete their degrees within one year.
  • 600,000 teachers are currently receiving training through the Teachers Professional Education (PPG) program.
  • Next year, the program will target 800,000 participants.

Sources:

  • ANTARA, Jakarta (2025) - "Minister: 150,000 Teachers to Receive Scholarships"