Dian Rahma Fika, Jakarta – The Association of Madrasah Teachers in Indonesia (PGM Indonesia) is calling on the House of Representatives (DPR) to advocate for private Madrasah teachers who are currently excluded from competing in the government employee selection under work agreements (PPPK).
PGM officials met with DPR leaders and members on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after staging a demonstration outside the DPR complex in Jakarta.
PGM Chair Yaya Ropandi explained that current regulations limit PPPK participation to honorary staff in public schools, effectively barring teachers in private Madrasahs from applying.
"We hope for a quicker decision on how private school teachers can also take part in the selection process, even though passing the test does not guarantee acceptance," Yaya said.
Yaya noted that many Madrasah teachers have dedicated years, sometimes decades, to educating Indonesian children. Representing a professional organization with branches in nearly 27 provinces, he conveyed the concerns of teachers nationwide.
The teachers urged the DPR to push the government to revise PPPK and civil servant appointment regulations. Yaya highlighted the disparity between teachers and staff in government nutrition programs, who, though also private employees, are quickly appointed as PPPK.
"We fully support programs feeding students, but the appointment process for nutrition staff is much faster than for teachers, despite the president's instructions," he said, emphasizing that their request is not a demand but a call for policy reform to improve teacher welfare.
The DPR audience included Deputy Speaker Sari Yuliati and leaders of Commission VIII, chaired by Marwan Dasopang with deputies Singgih Januratmoko, Abdul Wachid, and Abidin Fikri.
Marwan Dasopang said the issues raised by PGM have long been a concern for Commission VIII. He explained that Madrasah and pesantren schools are not considered formal institutions under the National Education System Law, which limits teachers' access to regional government incentives. Funding for these educators comes solely from the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the central level.
Through revisions to the Education System Law, Marwan said, Madrasah teachers could eventually receive the same rights as teachers in public or non-Madrasah schools.
"The working committee has urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to propose that all Madrasah teachers be appointed as PPPK. Regardless of the selection process, their role as educators remains essential," said Marwan, a politician from the Prosperous Justice Party.