700% Growth in Teacher Certification: Kemenag and UIN Jakarta Set New Benchmark with PPG 2025

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI), in collaboration with UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, has officially launched the 2025 Batch 3 In-Service Teacher Education Program (PPG) Program at the Harun Nasution Auditorium on Wednesday (September 3, 2025). The event commenced with an interfaith prayer led by teachers representing various religious communities, offered for the nation’s safety, progress, and prosperity.

During the opening session, Dr. KH. Akhmad Sodiq, M.Ag., a faculty member of UIN Jakarta, recited prayers, expressing hope, protection, and blessings upon Indonesia as this nation faces the challenges of the times.

This interfaith prayer served as a tangible symbol of unity in diversity, reinforcing the education sector’s commitment to upholding tolerance, fraternity, and national cohesion.

In his address, UIN Jakarta Rector, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., expressed profound gratitude and pride for hosting such a significant program and reaffirmed the university’s full support for Kemenag’s initiatives. He also outlined several ongoing strategic agendas, including the strengthening of ecotheology, educational digitalization, academic quality enhancement, and internationalization efforts.

“I sincerely thank Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Nasaruddin, M.A., and his team for entrusting UIN Jakarta with this event. We continue to support the Ministry’s programs, including the development of a curriculum promoting compassion, the implementation of Green Campus initiatives under our ecotheology framework, the digitalization of education through smart classrooms, and our ongoing internationalization efforts,” he stated.

The program was officially inaugurated by Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.Ag., who expressed appreciation for the remarkable progress in teacher certification this year—reportedly achieving a 700% increase compared to 2024, with a total budget allocation of approximately IDR 165 billion.

“Last year, in 2024, we successfully certified 29,933 teachers. However, as of September this year, we have already certified 206,411 teachers. This represents a 700 percent increase in certification activities under the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he remarked.

He further elaborated on the profound essence of the teacher–student relationship, emphasizing that true educators are not merely transmitters of knowledge but also mentors who teach with sincerity and embody moral and spiritual leadership.

“A true teacher is not just someone who transfers knowledge but one who educates with the heart, serves as a role model, and bears a profound moral and spiritual responsibility. The true success of a teacher is measured by how deeply they can illuminate the hearts of their students,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Director General of Islamic Education, Prof. Dr. Amien Suyitno, M.Ag., highlighted that this year’s PPG implementation introduced a more integrated and collaborative model compared to previous years, where the program was often conducted separately by different directorates.

“This marks the first collaborative PPG between various directorates under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Traditionally, each directorate organized its own program, but today we report that we are conducting it collectively,” he explained.

He also noted the historic scale of participation in the 2025 Batch 3 program, particularly in the field of Islamic Religious Education (PAI), which comprises nearly half of all participants.

“Honorable Minister, the total number of participants for Batch 3 this year has reached 102,279 teachers, marking the largest in PPG history. Specifically, the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) stream includes 69,313 participants. This also marks the conclusion of the in-service PPG for PAI. The program will span approximately five days, covering around 27 credits (SKS), which have been recognized through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme,” he stated.

(Fathan Rangga I./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Yahya)