Minister of Religious Affairs Inaugurates Third Batch of Teacher Professional Education (PPG) at UIN Jakarta

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — The opening ceremony of the Teacher Education Program (PPG) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta featured the presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.Ag., who delivered guidance to the prospective PPG teachers on Wednesday (September 3, 2025). He officially inaugurated the commencement of the Third Batch of PPG Program 2025, while extending a warm welcome to all participants.

According to the Minister, the 2025 PPG Program marks a significant achievement, with teacher certification rates rising dramatically to 206,411 participants, compared to only 29,933 in 2024—reflecting a 700 percent increase.

“Usually, growth rates reach a maximum of 100 percent, but this time we have achieved 700 percent, with a total budget allocation of 165 billion rupiahs,” he explained.

During his address, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.Ag., offered key insights and guidance for the prospective PPG teachers, emphasizing that a professional teacher must embody four essential principles: learning how to learn, learning how to teach, teaching how to learn, and teaching how to teach. He highlighted that continuous learning and self-improvement are indispensable, especially in today’s modern era.

The Minister also expressed his appreciation for the interfaith prayer initiative conducted during the event:

“I wish to extend special greetings to those who led the interfaith prayer; it was a truly beautiful moment,” he said.

Furthermore, he underlined that the teaching profession is a noble, lawful, and honorable calling, yet one that bears great responsibility:

“This is my hope for all of you—become true teachers. To be a teacher is sacred, dear colleagues, and it is by no means easy. Before others enter paradise, teachers must lead the way,” he remarked.

He also encouraged the PPG participants to embrace their role with pride and dedication: “Never feel inferior. Being a teacher is a great honor—it is both noble and pure,” he affirmed.

The ceremony then concluded with the Minister officially declaring the PPG Program open, inviting all attendees to commence the event with sacred words of blessing.

(Meisa Aqilah N.H./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Yahya)