The Riau Islands Teacher Leadership Center has celebrated the graduation of 169 educators as part of Batam’s mission to promote inclusive education and the “Merdeka Belajar” (Independent Learning) movement, encouraging student-centered approaches.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, 169 teachers were inaugurated as “Guru Penggerak” (teacher leaders) in a ceremony held by the Riau Islands Province Teacher Leadership Center at Batam Polytechnic of Tourism. After six months of training under the theme “Guru Bergerak, Tergerak, dan Penggerakan” (Teachers Move, Are Moved, and Mobilize), these educators are now equipped to lead classrooms toward more inclusive and student-centered practices.
Batam’s Secretary, Jefridin, officially inaugurated the graduates, motivating them to foster a transformative mindset, particularly in rural regions. “Teacher leaders must know what needs to be driven to inspire change effectively,” Jefridin urged, emphasizing that these educators should encourage students in remote areas to stay enthusiastic about their education.
Jefridin also called upon the teacher leaders to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing its potential to drive educational progress in Batam. “I urge teacher leaders to strive for a better Batam by inspiring our youth to become a generation of excellence,” he stated, linking local development to educational growth.
Acting Head of Education, Muhd. Dali, underscored the significance of teacher leaders in realizing the vision of “Merdeka Belajar,” a movement promoting student independence in learning. Dali highlighted that teacher leaders must instill a culture of learning autonomy. “Their mission is to liberate learning—this responsibility lies in their professional, loyal commitment to their roles,” he stated.
Teacher leaders are encouraged to take proactive roles, both academically and in entrepreneurial endeavors, to adapt education to the evolving needs of their communities. Dali noted that teachers must “move forward as progressive educators,” supporting localized solutions for Batam’s educational challenges.
Read Moer: Muhammad Rudi Calls for Community Synergy in Batam Development
Imam Edhi Priyanto, head of the Teacher Leadership Center, applauded the graduates for their dedication, expressing optimism about the potential impact they’ll bring to classrooms. “This event showcases the journey of learning they’ve undertaken,” he shared, noting that their training would bring much-needed innovation to the local education system.
This inauguration highlights Batam’s commitment to a dynamic, inclusive educational model. The newly graduated teacher leaders are expected to lead the charge in creating a more adaptive, student-centered approach to education, setting a promising example for surrounding regions.
Batam has inaugurated 169 “Guru Penggerak” graduates, ready to foster inclusive and independent learning across the city’s schools. Through professional development and entrepreneurial vision, these educators are positioned to reshape Batam’s education system, embracing progressive teaching to meet the needs of future generations.
Sources: Batam News, Tribun Batam (2024)
Keywords: Teacher Leaders Inauguration, Inclusive Learning, Independent Education
