The East Java DPRD Pushes for a Solution for 2,295 Non-ASN Teachers

SURABAYA — Commission A of the East Java DPRD is actively seeking a solution for thousands of non-ASN teachers who have been serving in public senior high schools (SMA) and vocational high schools (SMK) across the province.

The issue was highlighted by Commission A member Ubaidillah following the issuance of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Circular Letter No. 7 of 2026 concerning the assignment of non-ASN teachers in public schools.

The circular stipulates that the assignment of non-ASN teachers in public schools will remain valid only until 31 December 2026. Consequently, starting in 2027, non-ASN teachers will no longer be permitted to teach in public schools.

According to the PKB legislator, the policy presents a significant challenge for both local governments and educational institutions, as East Java currently has approximately 2,295 non-ASN teachers serving in public schools. These teachers were recruited directly by schools to address ongoing shortages of teaching personnel.

“These teachers were recruited independently by schools because the demand for teaching staff remains very high. They have been serving as contract and honorary teachers and are paid directly by the schools,” Ubaidillah stated on Wednesday (13/05/2026).

Teacher Shortages Remain a Major Challenge in East Java

Ubaidillah explained that the PPPK recruitment process in East Java has technically been completed. However, the 2,295 non-ASN teachers were not included in the official data collection process because they were recruited directly by schools and were not registered with either the Regional Civil Service Agency (BKD) or the East Java Provincial Education Office.

Meanwhile, public SMA and SMK institutions across East Java still face a shortage of approximately 4,000 teachers. If the 2,295 non-ASN teachers are no longer permitted to teach after 2026, public schools could face a substantial deficit in teaching personnel.

“If they are no longer allowed to teach, public schools will face a shortage of around 4,000 teachers. This would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the teaching and learning process,” he said.

The shortage of educational personnel has previously been identified as a key concern by the East Java DPRD.

The council has also continued to emphasize improvements in regional education governance to maintain educational quality amid challenges related to teacher distribution and workforce availability.

East Java DPRD Supports a Part-Time PPPK Scheme

In addition to addressing staffing needs in schools, Commission A has also highlighted the welfare and employment certainty of teachers who have dedicated years of service to public education. Many of these teachers have served for two to three years and are now seeking greater certainty regarding their employment status.

“These individuals have families, children, and have devoted years of service. It is not reasonable to leave them in a prolonged state of uncertainty,” Ubaidillah emphasized.

He stated that one of the options currently being pursued is the appointment of these teachers as part-time PPPK employees. However, the proposal remains constrained by regulatory challenges, as the teachers were not included in previous PPPK formations or recorded in the national education database (Dapodik).

Furthermore, implementing a part-time PPPK scheme would require substantial financial support from the East Java Provincial Government. Preliminary estimates indicate that the monthly budget required to pay these teachers would reach approximately IDR 23 billion.

“From a budgetary perspective, it is still feasible because the Education Office has remaining budget allocations. However, from a regulatory standpoint, there is still no clear solution at this time,” he explained.

For this reason, Commission A continues to coordinate closely with the Regional Civil Service Agency (BKD) and the East Java Provincial Education Office to identify the most appropriate policy solution—one that ensures schools' staffing needs are met while also providing employment certainty for non-ASN teachers.

“We in Commission A of the East Java DPRD will continue to advocate for these 2,295 teachers to obtain a viable solution, including the possibility of being appointed as part-time PPPK employees. The ministry has also requested calculations regarding budget requirements and implementation mechanisms,” he concluded.

The East Java DPRD has consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening the education sector, including efforts to improve character education, educational governance, and teacher welfare as part of broader initiatives to enhance the quality and sustainability of education across the province.