Lecturers voice grievances over pay and welfare before Constitutional Court judges

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Constitutional Court (MK) courtroom on Monday, 25 May 2026, was filled not only with debates over law provisions but also with lecturers’ heartfelt grievances. The courtroom became a venue for stories of lecturers’ lives far from the image of prosperity. One by one, their tales unfolded: lecturers forced to take on extra jobs to support their families; aspiring academics abandoning their dreams of becoming lecturers due to unattractive salaries; and educators leaving Indonesia for better living conditions abroad. They are challenging Articles 52(1), (2), and (3) of the Teacher and Lecturer Law, arguing it fails to guarantee a decent income for lecturers. Appearing before the Constitutional Court judges, Indonesian Lecturers Association Chairman Mohammed Ali Berawi described the current situation as “deeply concerning”. He stated many lecturers must take outside work to make ends meet. “Many lecturers have to take on additional jobs outside campus to cover daily expenses,” Ali said during the material review hearing Case No. 272/PUU-XXIII/2025. While expected to teach, research, and serve society, they still struggle with basic family needs. Ali also referenced the #Don’tBecomeALecturer hashtag that trended on social media. He said its emergence was not merely spontaneous complaint but a reflection of genuine distress. He noted the average lecturer salary in Indonesia is around Rp 3.36 million per month.