Indonesia, UK Conclude Teacher Development Program for Madrasahs

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia officially closed the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme conducted in partnership with the British Council at the H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium in Jakarta, Thursday 26 February 2026. The event marked the culmination of a bilateral initiative aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of English teachers in madrasahs nationwide.

The programme forms part of a broader strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the United Kingdom in the education sector. It specifically focuses on strengthening the competencies of English language teachers at Madrasah Tsanawiyah and Madrasah Aliyah levels.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar conveyed appreciation for the British Council’s support in advancing English education within Islamic schools. “We highly appreciate the British Council’s concrete contribution to improving the English competence of madrasah teachers across Indonesia,” he said.

He noted that 613 teachers participated in a series of structured activities, including training sessions, mentoring, and sustained professional guidance. “They have strengthened not only their language skills, but also their pedagogical and professional capacities,” the minister stated.

According to Nasaruddin, investing in teacher development represents a long-term commitment to the future of Islamic education. “When we empower teachers, we empower students and open wider access to global knowledge and opportunities,” he added.

The CPD initiative was designed through a systematic framework that began with national competency mapping to assess teachers’ needs. Participants then underwent several weeks of intensive learning, peer collaboration, and guided practice to improve classroom instruction.

Delivering remarks from the United Kingdom, Seema Malhotra, Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, emphasized education as a shared priority between the two countries. “Education is one of the most tangible ways to invest in our shared future by expanding opportunities for young people,” she said.

Malhotra also expressed admiration for the teachers’ commitment throughout the programme. “With a completion rate exceeding 90 percent, this initiative demonstrates what strong educational collaboration can achieve,” she noted, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to sustainable partnerships in strengthening madrasah education.