A teacher's wish

A teacher's wish

From Suara Karya

I am a grade school teacher in a small village in Central
Java. I have been a teacher for 36 years. I am 55. When I retire
at 60, I shall have worked 41 years.

I say "thank you" to the gratitude expressed to teachers, both
from students and the community. But what is the meaning of the
word "thank you" for persons like me who, on retirement, will
only receive the taspen (pension) and other savings originating
from deductions of our own salaries. It means that the money
received is one's own money.

At times I feel jealous when I watch TV programs where a
government official with less service obtains an award. Likewise
athletes, who are declared meritorious toward the state and
obtain an abundance of presents, a house or a car. But for a
retired teacher, the money from the taspen is barely sufficient
to pay one's debts.

Therefore, I appeal to the authorities to think of teachers.
Do not give us only a "thank you". Put those of us with over 30
years of dedication on a par with Armed Forces members and
athletes. The appreciation does not have to be an automobile or a
house, but something that is useful to us.

If this appeal is responded to, I will say thank you.

Mrs. ISMIRAH

Banyumas, Central Java