Levies on pay anger teachers

AMBON, Maluku: Primary school teachers in Wonreli-Kisar Island, Southeast Maluku regency, were angry because their salaries are cut whenever the country celebrated a national events, such as Independence Day in August.

"We already receive our salaries two to three months late, and then they are cut," Marteng Tilukay, a teacher at the Oirata state primary school. "Before every national celebrations, our salaries are cut by Rp 5,000 (US$2.17),".

He did not explain who cut the salaries, but teachers receive their pay through the local office of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Antara reported yesterday that the funds collected from the teachers were usually used to finance sports events in relation to the celebrations. (31)