Mayor Amsakar emphasizes teacher quality as Batam’s key to future competitiveness and growth

Teachers hold the future of Batam’s competitiveness in their hands. That was the central message from Mayor Amsakar Achmad as he inaugurated the eighth Batam City Conference of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Teachers as the Backbone of Progress

Speaking at the Golden View Hotel in Bengkong, Mayor Amsakar underlined the vital role teachers play in shaping not only future generations but also Batam’s long-term competitiveness. He highlighted that Batam’s consistent top ranking in the Human Development Index (HDI) of Riau Islands Province owes much to teacher contributions.

Inspiring Leadership Principles

Quoting national education pioneer Ki Hadjar Dewantara, Amsakar reminded the audience of the timeless principles: Ing Ngarsa Sung Tuladha (in front, set an example), Ing Madya Mangun Karsa (in the middle, build initiative), and Tut Wuri Handayani (at the back, provide encouragement). According to him, true respect for teachers must come from both government and society.

Strategic Role of the PGRI Conference

The two-day PGRI Batam City Conference VIII, held from September 12–13, serves as the highest forum for the teaching community at the city level. The agenda includes evaluating the previous management’s accountability, electing new leaders, and formulating a five-year program of action.

Leadership and Vision from PGRI

Hendri Arulan, Chairman of PGRI Batam, stressed that the conference carries the theme “Transformasi PGRI Menuju Indonesia Emas” (Transformation of PGRI Towards Golden Indonesia). He explained that the event is designed to chart strategic directions for strengthening the organization and advancing the teaching profession.

Linking Teacher Quality to Competitiveness

Mayor Amsakar’s message directly ties Batam’s economic and social progress to educational excellence. He emphasized that without strong and respected teachers, Batam risks losing its competitive edge in human capital development, which is vital for both the city and the wider Riau Islands region.

Looking Ahead

The outcomes of the PGRI conference are expected to define the role of teachers in Batam’s transformation journey toward 2030 and beyond. By ensuring teachers remain central to policy and community support, Batam aims to build a knowledge-driven society capable of sustaining growth and resilience.

The Batam PGRI Conference underscores the inseparable link between teacher quality and regional competitiveness. With leadership from Mayor Amsakar and local educators, Batam is signaling its intent to align education with broader national goals, an approach that resonates across Indonesia and offers valuable lessons for neighbors like Singapore, where human capital is equally central to success.

Sources: Gokepri (2025) , MataKepri (2025)

Keywords: Batam Education, Teacher Role, Teacher Conference, PGRI Batam, Amsakar Achmad