2/20/2025 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Even though only 13% of its population is Christian, Indonesia’s schools still lack Christian religious teachers.
The Rev. Penrad Siagian, a member of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council, discussed the shortage of Christian religious teachers during a meeting on Feb. 14 with Dr. Jeane Marie Tulung, director general of Christian Community Guidance, and Dr. Sudirman Simanihuruk, director of Christian education at the Christian Community Guidance Office, Ministry of Religion.
“This is not a new problem,” Siagian said. “Some schools have not had Christian religious teachers for decades. This must be our serious concern. Christian religious teachers are tasked with educating Christian students. This is in the interests of fulfilling the rights of Christian children.”
The Indonesian Christian Religious Education Teachers Forum will host a discussion event on Feb. 22 to discuss the issue further.
“Christian religious teachers play an important role in shaping the character and morals of the younger generation,” said Ir. Manuara Siahaan, a member of the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Assembly. “This shortage of teachers must be addressed immediately so that it does not impact the quality of education.”
H. Sahidul Bakhri, head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, said a more exact number of Christian students without a Christian teacher must be recorded.
“Schools that do not yet have Christian religious teachers will be our concern, considering the importance of religious education for every student, by the rights guaranteed by law,” he said.
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