Levies on pay anger teachers

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)