Elementary student's gift to teacher goes viral, education official vows action

A heartwarming video of an elementary school student offering his teacher 2,000 Indonesian rupiah has captured attention online. The student, upon learning his teacher's salary was small, reached into his pocket and presented the money. The teacher, who initially shared the moment on Instagram, gently refused the gift, touched by the child's sincerity.

Responding to the viral clip, Indonesia's Vice Minister of Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, highlighted the government's efforts to improve teacher welfare. He mentioned the acceleration of teacher certification through the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program. "The government, under the President's orders, is committed to speeding up teacher certification," Fajar stated.

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The government, under the President's orders, is committed to speeding up teacher certification through the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program. Last year, more than 800,000 teachers participated in this program.

Fajar explained that the PPG program aims to eliminate low teacher salaries. Teachers who complete the program will receive a professional allowance, TPG, amounting to 2 million Indonesian rupiah per month. "There will be no more teachers earning 200,000 or 300,000 rupiah because once they participate in PPG, they will receive TPG," he said, adding that foundations might supplement this amount.

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What is the consequence of PPG? There will be no more teachers earning 200,000 or 300,000 rupiah because once they participate in PPG, they will receive TPG. The teacher professional allowance is 2 million rupiah per month. Hopefully, their foundations will add to it.