'Most teachers are gravely underpaid'<\/p>\n
In recognition of their vital role in education, the government
\nhas designated Nov. 25 National Teacher's Day. The Jakarta Post
\ninterviewed some residents about what they think of the
\nconditions for teachers in the capital.<\/p>\n
Asep Herdiansyah, 32, is a publications and information
\nofficer at the University of Indonesia's Center for Community and
\nCultural Research (PPKB) in Depok. He lives in Pondok Pinang,
\nSouth Jakarta.<\/p>\n
I believe that teachers' welfare in Indonesia is at one of the
\nlowest levels in the world. Especially in this day and age when
\nthe cost of living is so high, Indonesian teachers simply cannot
\nrely on their salaries to make ends meet. That explains why many
\nteachers look for side jobs to supplement their income.<\/p>\n
As a consequence, this hampers teachers' ability to focus on
\nteaching. How can teachers be expected to give their best to
\nstudents when they don't know where their family's next meal will
\ncome from?<\/p>\n
And, I don't think this only happens with teachers; it is a
\nproblem for all civil servants in this country, be they police,
\nsoldiers or others. And this of course gravely undermines their
\nprofessionalism and dedication to their job.<\/p>\n
Errol, 27, is an employee of a public relations firm in
\nJakarta. He lives with his family in Depok.<\/p>\n
I think teachers deserve more pay and the government must
\nprovide a bigger budget for them. How can we expect to have a
\nbetter quality education system if teachers are busy looking for
\nadditional income outside their schools?<\/p>\n
While we may have poor facilities or a bad curriculum, as long
\nas we have dedicated and creative teachers we can still have a
\ngood education system. Aristotle and Plato only needed to explain
\nsubjects in front of their students without having to bother
\nabout classrooms or other equipment.<\/p>\n
So, I believe that with good books and good teachers, we can
\nachieve good quality education. But to get a good teacher, we
\nmust pay them enough to allow them to focus on students and the
\nteaching process.<\/p>\n
I think the government can provide the funds if they have the
\npolitical will to do so. As far as I can see, much of our budget
\nhas been wasted on unnecessary items or has gone into the pockets
\nof corrupt officials.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/most-teachers-are-gravely-underpaid-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }