Teaching is a noble profession that plays an important role in educating future generations. However, despite this vital role and the time spent serving the nation, many teachers still face financial struggles due to low salaries.
This situation affects many teachers, especially honorary (non-permanent) teachers. For example, Alvi Alviandri, a 57-year-old honorary teacher in Sukabumi, has to work as a scavenger after school to meet his daily needs.
Mr. Alvi has been serving as an honorary teacher for 36 years at a school in Sukabumi, but he still has to work hard outside of school hours. After teaching, he goes around collecting recyclable materials to sell for extra income, helping him cover his living expenses.
Mr. Alvi's story is just one of many similar cases faced by honorary teachers across Indonesia. They often earn salaries that don't match the time and effort they put into their work. The average salary for honorary teachers varies by region, with those in big cities generally earning more due to higher living costs. However, many social media videos show teachers opening their pay envelopes, revealing that they earn between Rp300,000 and Rp1.5 million per month—a figure far from enough to cover basic needs, especially in cities with rising costs of living.
Sacrifice Without Fair Compensation
In their daily work, honorary teachers have the same teaching hours as civil servant (PNS) teachers. They put in the same energy to educate their students, yet they don't receive the same financial rewards.
Many honorary teachers must take on additional jobs to make ends meet. Some work as vendors, offer private tutoring, or, like Mr. Alvi, work as scavengers. They do this not because they lack dedication, but simply to survive.
Rising Living Costs Add to the Struggle
The economic challenges for honorary teachers are worsened by the rising prices of basic necessities and living costs. As transportation costs, food prices, and other essential needs increase, their salaries remain stagnant.
Government Promises and Hopes for Improvement
The government, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), has committed to solving this problem. Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has said the government is working on a long-term solution to improve the welfare of honorary teachers through a program to appoint them as contract-based government employees (PPPK).
