Teachers' Federation Proposes Auctioning Seized Electric Motorcycles for Education Funds

The Indonesian Teachers' Federation (FSGI) has responded to a proposal suggesting seized electric motorcycles from a corruption case be given to teachers, advocating instead for their auction with proceeds returning to the education sector. Fahriza Marta Tanjung, Secretary General of FSGI, stated that while the idea of giving the motorcycles to teachers is agreeable, it must await the legal process and final decisions regarding the suspects and the utilization of the seized assets.

“

Suitable too (motorcycles given to teachers), but of course we are waiting for the legal process that is ongoing. Until there is a decision regarding the punishment of the suspects and the utilization of the seized electric motorcycles.

FSGI expressed regret over the corruption case related to the Free Nutritious Meal program (MBG), noting that a significant portion of its budget was drawn from the national education budget. This diversion of funds has impacted various educational activities, including teacher training programs, where participants now have to cover their own travel expenses. Student competitions, which are crucial for capacity building, have also been affected, with some events forced to move online or have their funding reduced.

“

Many activities were made more efficient so that they could not be carried out optimally. For example, for teacher training, the training center could no longer afford travel expenses for participants, and participants had to bear them themselves. This resulted in teachers who were far from the Training Center being unable to attend the training.

"Many activities were made more efficient so that they could not be carried out optimally. For example, for teacher training, the training center could no longer afford travel expenses for participants, and participants had to bear them themselves. This resulted in teachers who were far from the Training Center being unable to attend the training," Fahriza explained. The federation also noted that some student competitions were forced to be held online instead of in person.

“

So, if the electric motorcycles have been confiscated by the state, it would be better if the purchase value of these electric motorcycles was converted into additional funds for schools.

Therefore, FSGI believes auctioning the seized motorcycles is a better option. The funds generated could then be reinvested into the education sector. "So, if the electric motorcycles have been confiscated by the state, it would be better if the purchase value of these electric motorcycles was converted into additional funds for schools," Fahriza urged. He added that since the embezzled funds originated from the education budget, they should be returned to the education sector. FSGI also raised concerns about potential social jealousy if the motorcycles are distributed directly to teachers, and questioned the practicality of providing them to teachers in remote, underdeveloped regions (3T) due to issues with terrain, electricity availability, and service centers.

“

What was embezzled by BGN originated from the education budget, we hope it can be returned to the education sector.