Jakarta — President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was overcome with emotion as he announced a salary increase policy for teachers during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day event organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture at the Velodrome Stadium, Rawamangun, East Jakarta, on Thursday (28/11).

The poignant moment occurred during Prabowo’s speech as he detailed the salary increase scheme, which includes additional welfare benefits for ASN teachers equivalent to one month’s basic salary and an increased professional allowance for non-ASN teachers to IDR 2 million per month.

“We understand, we know, our efforts, the efforts of the Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance—we realize that what we announce today is not yet, not yet (everything) that you need,” said Prabowo.

At this point, Prabowo paused, his voice breaking, and tears began to flow in front of tens of thousands of teachers attending the event.

Prabowo wiped his tears with a small towel placed on the podium, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

“This is our effort, and we will keep striving, we will continue to improve the lives of all our people—teachers, workers, farmers, fishers—our entire nation needs a better quality of life,” he continued.

To achieve this quality of life, Prabowo emphasized that his administration would not tolerate corruption in any form and would focus on establishing a clean government.

“A good quality of life requires clean governance. I am issuing a warning—corruption must end in the Republic of Indonesia. The Merah Putih Cabinet will not tolerate corruption or misconduct. Stop, stop, stop!” he declared.

Towards the end of his speech, Prabowo repeatedly expressed his gratitude to teachers and everyone who has contributed to their respective fields.

“Thank you for your contributions,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)