Surakarta, September 14, 2025 — School principals play a strategic role in managing educational institutions. To improve principal competency, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) held the first batch of Central Java Provincial Principal Training in Surakarta from September 6 to 15, 2025.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, stated that this training is part of a series of policies aimed at Quality Education for All. "We must all understand that this principal training is part of the initial steps we will take continuously to improve the quality of education," said the Minister in Surakarta on Saturday (September 13).

Previously, the Ministry of Education and Culture has issued Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2025 concerning the Assignment of Teachers as School Principals as the basis for implementing one of the Ministry of Education and Culture's priority programs, namely the School Leadership Program, specifically the Training for Prospective School Principals (BCKS).

This regulation is an important step to accelerate the filling of vacant principal positions in a fair, professional, and meritocratic manner, while also preparing educational leaders who are ready to face the challenges of the times.

To that end, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education emphasized the importance of improving the competence and quality of educators through various training programs. "Learning can take place successfully thanks to teachers. Technology cannot replace a teacher's presence. Learning is not simply a process of transferring knowledge; we are talking about how to transform knowledge," he emphasized.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education urged participants to take the training seriously. He stated that this training is a strategic platform for prospective school principals to develop their careers, develop leadership skills, and build networks to share good practices and experiences.

On the same occasion, the Director General of Teachers, Education Personnel, and Teacher Education, Nunuk Suryani, said, "Your presence in this room is concrete evidence of your commitment and dedication to continue learning and improving your capacity, in order to become educational leaders who are able to bring positive change to your respective schools."

Research shows that principal leadership is the second most influential factor in student learning outcomes, after teacher quality. Evaluations by the Research and Development Agency (Balitbang) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) program also demonstrate that schools led by visionary and collaborative principals have a healthier learning climate and better learning outcomes. "This underscores the importance of preparing competent principals to drive improvements in educational quality," said Director General Nunuk.

Regarding the progress of fulfilling the need for school principals, currently the need for school principals in Central Java, both public and private, has decreased by around 58.4%, or from a need of 15,446 in May 2025 to 6,428 in September 2025. Meanwhile, specifically for public schools, the decrease in need reached 27.9% in the same period.

Mustarman, from Kutosari 1 Public Elementary School in Kebumen Regency, said that through this training, he understood the importance of a growth mindset for a school leader. "It helps us see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. This mindset makes us more open to new ideas in school management and learning."

He hopes this training can be implemented in schools. "I hope that after participating in this training, I can apply the knowledge I've gained, develop myself, and further optimize the assets available in educational institutions," Mustarman added.

For your information, the training was attended by 568 teachers from kindergarten, elementary, middle, high, vocational, and special needs schools (SLB). Of these, 248 participants came from the Semarang region and 320 from the Solo region.

The participants have undertaken independent learning from August 30 to September 5, 2025. Then, it was continued with face-to-face learning from September 6 to 15, 2025. The training instructors consisted of Widyaiswara, Learning Technology Developers (PTP), Widyaprada, School Supervisors, and lecturers.

This training for prospective school principals in Central Java is expected to be a significant milestone in preparing school principals who are visionary, collaborative, and adaptable to the challenges of the times. With strong leadership, schools are expected to be able to provide quality, inclusive, and relevant learning for all Indonesian children.*** (Author: Stephanie W. / Editor: Denty A., Seno H. / Photographer: Laili)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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Writer: Stephanie Westiana

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

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