Prabowo Defends Strict Teachers as Key to Shaping Student Character

November 28, 2025 | 06:26 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he views strict teachers as playing a constructive role in shaping student character, emphasizing that firm discipline is often directed at misbehaving students.

“Parents, if a teacher is strict, it is usually because your child is acting up. If a naughty child is left unchecked, they will not grow into good people,” Prabowo said at the National Teacher’s Day 2025 celebration at Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno, Central Jakarta, on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Prabowo said he has no issue with children who are simply mischievous, but he takes issue with those who show disrespect. “Sometimes there are rude students who talk back when the teacher advises them. They think they’re tough,” he said.

The president then recalled an incident from his time as defense minister under President Joko Widodo. He received a report about a student at a Defense Ministry–affiliated school who behaved disrespectfully toward a teacher and even slammed a door.

The school principal expelled the student but later grew anxious upon learning that the student was the child of a high-ranking general.

“The principal called me, and I told him not to hesitate,” Prabowo said. He added that he summoned the general to discuss the issue, but the officer never came. “Where is the general I asked to meet? I waited, but he never showed up,” he said.

Prabowo argued that children of senior officials should embody politeness and discipline. He urged Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti to continue supporting teachers’ authority, saying Indonesia’s future depends on their work.

At the same event, held earlier on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Minister Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the government’s efforts to improve teacher qualifications, competencies, and welfare during the first year of Prabowo’s administration.

In 2025, the government provided Rp3 million per semester in scholarships for 12,500 teachers who had not yet completed their D-IV or bachelor’s degree, enabling them to continue their studies through the Recognition of Prior Learning program.

The ministry also offered various professional development programs, including Teacher Professional Education, upgrading for Guidance and Counseling teachers, deep learning, coding and artificial intelligence training, and school leadership courses.

Mu’ti added that the government has expanded financial support for educators. Non-civil servant teachers now receive a monthly certification allowance of Rp2 million, while civil servant teachers are granted an additional month of basic salary.

Honorary teachers, who often fill critical gaps in underserved areas, receive a monthly incentive of Rp300,000 as a part of a broader effort to reduce disparities within Indonesia’s teaching workforce.

“All allowances and incentives are transferred directly to teachers’ bank accounts,” he said.

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