Sidoarjo, May 11, 2025 - The role of guidance and counseling (BK) teachers is crucial in supporting students' comprehensive development, including academic, personal, social, and career development. BK teachers help students recognize their potential, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and make informed decisions in various aspects of life.

"All teachers, other than BK teachers, have the task of being guides and counselors for their students. All teachers will eventually have the task of being BK teachers to accompany their students not only in matters related to academics and learning but also non-academic matters, for example developing talents and interests, accompanying students if there are psychological problems, and so on," said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, on Saturday (10/5).

"Training for guidance and counseling teachers began last year. We will also train non-guidance and counseling teachers to equip them with guidance and counseling skills to strengthen school-based character education through a guidance and counseling approach," Muti added.

According to Minister Mu'ti, guidance and counseling teachers contribute to creating a positive and safe school environment through self-development programs, character building, and the prevention and management of deviant behavior. With proper guidance, students can grow into independent, mentally healthy individuals, and be prepared to face life's challenges in the future.

Teachers as Agents of Civilization Who Shape Superior Humans

Teachers are agents of civilization. This means they play a crucial role in shaping, building, and transmitting the values of a nation's civilization. Education is not simply a process of transferring knowledge, but rather the holistic development of character, values, and personality in students.

"Education in general provides opportunities and paves the way for change, but teachers play a deeper role in shaping students' character, self-confidence, and outlook on life. A good education can change anyone's destiny, but a good teacher can change everything," said Minister Mu'ti.

In addition, teachers do not only act as information centers or primary sources of knowledge, but also as companions, guides, and providers of a learning environment that supports students to be active, independent, and creative in their learning process.

He further added that teachers are agents of civilization, meaning the future of the nation and state lies in their hands. "Teachers are not only instructors, but also mentors, role models, and motivators who shape critical thinking, empathy, and moral values in students. The interactions between teachers and students play a crucial role in creating a meaningful learning process," he explained.

University Support in Preparing Prospective Superior Educational Personnel

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, stated that he will continue to strive to improve teacher quality in Indonesia. Therefore, he praised the launch of the Teacher Professional Education and Master's programs in Elementary Education at Muhammadiyah University Sidoarjo, East Java.

On the same occasion, the Chancellor of the Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Hidayatullah, expressed his hopes for the study program newly inaugurated by the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education. "With the launch of the PPG and Master's programs in Elementary Education at Umsida, we can complement our undergraduate program. Hopefully, this study program can assist the government in preparing professional educators," Hidayatullah said.

Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 212/sipers/A6/V/2025

Writer: Destya

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty

Guru Sekolah Kejuruan GTK Guru PAUD Guru Dikdasmen Peningkatan Kualifikasi, Kompetensi, dan Kesejahteraan Guru