BLITAR – Blitar City will continue employing non-ASN teachers in public schools despite a new government circular that restricts honorary staff assignments in state education institutions.

The policy follows the release of Circular Letter No. 7 of 2026 from Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The regulation addresses the placement of non-civil servant education workers in public schools across the country.

Muhammad Arifin said the new rule will not significantly affect schools in Blitar City because the number of non-ASN teachers remains relatively small.

According to data from the Blitar City Education Office, 28 non-ASN teachers currently still work in public schools. The figure includes 16 elementary school teachers, 10 junior high school teachers, and two kindergarten teachers.

“Non-ASN teachers who already entered the official database can continue working until December 31, 2026,” Arifin said on Tuesday.

He explained that local schools can continue operating normally because the city government has already prepared a budgeting system for education personnel. Funding arrangements follow Mayor Regulation No. 43 concerning teacher and education staff fulfillment.

Because of that preparation, the latest circular has not triggered major uncertainty among teachers or school administrators in Blitar.

“In Blitar City, the situation remains under control because the budgeting mechanism already exists,” Arifin explained.

He added that the local government no longer uses the term “honorary teacher” in official administrative systems. Authorities now classify education workers into several categories, including civil servants, government contract employees, and support service personnel.

Even so, Blitar City still faces teacher shortages in several schools. The Education Office estimates the city needs around 1,100 educators to fully meet staffing demands.

Current staffing levels still fall below that target. As a result, some schools continue depending on non-ASN personnel to support daily teaching activities.

“Teacher shortages still exist because staffing needs have not been fully fulfilled,” Arifin said.

He also compared conditions in Blitar with other regions in Indonesia, where the number of non-ASN teachers can reach hundreds or even thousands.

“In some regions, the number is much higher. Blitar City only has 28 non-ASN educators,” he added.

The ministry’s circular has sparked concern in several areas because many schools still rely heavily on temporary teachers to maintain classroom learning.

Some local governments now face pressure to adjust staffing policies while ensuring students continue receiving proper education services.

However, officials in Blitar believe the transition process can move forward smoothly because the city already established financial support and workforce planning systems.

The Education Office also continues evaluating recruitment plans and staffing needs for the coming academic years. Authorities aim to maintain stable learning activities while gradually adjusting to national education policies.

For now, non-ASN teachers in Blitar City can continue carrying out their duties while waiting for further government policy developments.