Formas Highlights the Condition of Honorary Teachers, Emphasizes the Importance of Collaboration Between Government and Society

Kapanlagi.com - The Golden Indonesia Community Forum (Formas) highlights various issues that honorary teachers in Indonesia still face today. These issues include unclear status, inadequate welfare, job protection, and limited opportunities for professional development.

Handoyo Budhisejati emphasizes that the presence of honorary teachers plays a significant role in supporting the advancement of education in Indonesia. According to him, honorary teachers are the frontline who continue to teach, including in remote areas that are hard to reach.

"Therefore, Formas sees the need for a constructive dialogue space to gather various inputs and recommendations for the creation of policies that are more favorable to the future of the nation's education," said Handoyo in his speech at the Focus Group Discussion on the Fate of Honorary Teachers at the RRI Auditorium, Jakarta, Friday (5/6/2026).

1. The Condition of Honorary Teachers in Indonesia

Chairman of Formas Yohanes Handoyo Budhisejati answering questions from several journalists (cr:Liputan6/Rifqy Alie)

Handoyo assesses that the condition experienced by honorary teachers at present is still very concerning. He highlights that the younger generation with adequate knowledge is not enough to advance education in Indonesia if the teachers themselves are still living in scarcity.

In addition to facing economic problems that are still lacking, honorary teachers in Indonesia are also still struggling with issues of continuing their education and improving their competencies.

"If we do not pay attention to the teachers, if we do not pay attention to our educators, just imagine if as an educator they still have to seek a livelihood, when can they deepen their knowledge that can be passed on to their students?," he explained.

2. Hope for the Welfare of Honorary Teachers

Handoyo appreciates President Prabowo's policies in paying attention to many sectors. However, he hopes the president does not overlook the education sector, especially the welfare of honorary teachers. He also invites the community not to solely rely on the government's role, but to be proactive from the grassroots to care for fellow citizens.

"So at this moment we think, we should not always blame the government for what it does, but we should also see what the community can do to care for each other," he explained to Liputan6.com, Friday (5/6/2026).

"These are the things we want to highlight, these are the things we want to try to provoke, yes, if we use the Indonesian term 'pancing', what is the concern for fellow citizens and what is the government's concern for that. It's that simple," he added.

3. Hold Formas Discussion

According to him, the movement to care for honorary teachers cannot just rely on policymakers, but must involve collaboration. This way, honorary teachers can focus on advancing education without worrying about economic problems.

From the discussion held by Formas, Handoyo hopes to produce concrete steps that can truly be implemented for the welfare of honorary teachers. He hopes that the government can formulate policies that are pro-honorary teachers.

"Secondly, we are trying to engage society, other elements of society that are more fortunate today, to together pay attention to this honorary teacher issue," he said.

4. Hope of Formas

Handoyo stated that concern for honorary teachers can be manifested through a community mutual aid movement. One way is by collecting donations in the form of money or basic necessities to help alleviate the economic burden of honorary teachers. Once collected, the assistance can be distributed to the honorary teachers in need.

"But if this is for honorary teachers, maybe with a movement of five thousand. If that rolls out, we have the data of 237,000 people, maybe we can provide additional benefits or results from what has been collected to enhance what they have already received," said Handoyo.

5. Grassroots Movement

According to Handoyo, the grassroots movement to support honorary teachers needs to be continuously encouraged to be implemented, in addition to government policies. He believes that a sense of concern among fellow citizens should arise from the community itself.

"Well, that's it, we are trying to promote these community movements through FGDs like this," he concluded.

(kpl/dyn)