'Better conditions mean no side jobs'

After their role in building the nation has been given little attention for decades, the government has designated Nov. 25 as Teacher's Day. The Jakarta Post asked some people what they thought about the working conditions for teachers in the capital.

Sanjaya, 45, is a manager of a research and development in a private company on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He lives in Ciputat, Tangerang:

I agree with the government's plan to double teachers' salaries because they bear such a great responsibility to educate the next generation. With better welfare, teachers it is hoped they will be able to focus on their main job and will not have to moonlight anymore.

I often hear that there are teachers who work at more than one school, while others moonlight as ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers.

My two children are still in elementary schools. Frankly speaking, I opted to send them to bonafide private schools because I don't trust the quality of state schools. I chose to spend more money for my children's education.

We should give more attention to teachers because we rely on them to educate our children. I think they deserve to have better salaries.

Ambarwati, 30, is a resident of Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) in Tangerang regency. He works for a private bank on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta:

We often heard that teachers have side jobs because their salaries are not enough to cover the daily expenses of their families. Therefore, reports about the government's plan to improve their welfare is good news for them.

We cannot only demand that they work professionally, but we must also reward them.

As parents, we must also pay attention to the teachers. I am happy that there is a good parent organization in my children's school. The organization often collects funds to be distributed as bonuses for teachers, particularly during Idul Fitri.

-- The Jakarta Post