This study is part of RISE Programme in Indonesia, a large scale, multi-country research program that seeks to understand how school systems in the developing world can overcome the learning crisis and deliver better learning for all. The study is one of the components in the Reform Area A that evaluates policies of pilot programs related to teachers and teaching, especially on improving student learning outcomes.

Teachers’ unions, especially the Teachers’ Association of the Republic of Indonesia (PGRI), are considered to have strong influence in the formulation of education policies. However, there are few studies on teachers’ unions in Indonesia to date. A deeper understanding of the role of PGRI in the formulation of education policy can be the key to improving the quality of teachers as well as the level of student learning in Indonesia.