PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Regional Secretary of West Java Province Herman Suryatman expressed his respect and deep appreciation to teachers at the 2024 National Teachers' Day commemoration ceremony at the West Java Province level.

Taking place in the front yard of Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Monday (11/25/2024), when met after the event, Herman emphasized that teachers are not only agents of education, but also agents of civilization who shape the future of the nation.

"Teachers have an extraordinary role. Thanks to their education, West Java is now one of the provinces that is one step ahead. We, including the heads of OPDs, can carry out our duties well because of the great contribution of teachers," said Herman, representing the Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin.

On that occasion, Herman also revealed that West Java was a pioneer in independent Teacher Leader training, an innovative step that enabled training for 50,000 state high school/vocational school teachers in just three months.

"We managed to train 48,000 additional teachers, complementing the 2,000 teachers who had previously attended training. All of this is thanks to the strong determination of the Education Office and the participation of the Teacher Leaders who are willing to become trainers," said Herman.

He also emphasized the importance of synergy with the Ministry of Religion to involve private teachers and Islamic high schools, as well as cooperation with 27 districts/cities to train hundreds of thousands of elementary and junior high school teachers throughout West Java.

In addition, Herman responded to the issue of honorary teacher welfare. He emphasized that the provincial government follows the policy of the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform.

Non-ASN teachers under the age of 36 are encouraged to take part in the PNS selection, while those over 36 can apply for Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK).

"We focus on fighting for existing non-ASN teachers. There should be no new recruitment before the fate of those who are currently there is resolved," he stressed.

Herman also highlighted the importance of protection for teachers, including cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the National Police which will soon be formalized through an MoU.

He reminded that the role of a teacher is not only to teach, but also to guide with love.

“Teachers must remain role models. Reprimand students who lack discipline in a wise and loving way. "Don't let fear get in the way of your noble task," he advised teachers.

The momentum of National Teachers' Day is also an important reflection for building the next generation of leaders.

"Leaders are not born, but designed and prepared. This is the task of teachers, to produce leaders who will lead West Java and Indonesia towards the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045," concluded Herman.