'Most teachers are gravely underpaid'

'Most teachers are gravely underpaid'

In recognition of their vital role in education, the government
has designated Nov. 25 National Teacher's Day. The Jakarta Post
interviewed some residents about what they think of the
conditions for teachers in the capital.

Asep Herdiansyah, 32, is a publications and information
officer at the University of Indonesia's Center for Community and
Cultural Research (PPKB) in Depok. He lives in Pondok Pinang,
South Jakarta.

I believe that teachers' welfare in Indonesia is at one of the
lowest levels in the world. Especially in this day and age when
the cost of living is so high, Indonesian teachers simply cannot
rely on their salaries to make ends meet. That explains why many
teachers look for side jobs to supplement their income.

As a consequence, this hampers teachers' ability to focus on
teaching. How can teachers be expected to give their best to
students when they don't know where their family's next meal will
come from?

And, I don't think this only happens with teachers; it is a
problem for all civil servants in this country, be they police,
soldiers or others. And this of course gravely undermines their
professionalism and dedication to their job.

Errol, 27, is an employee of a public relations firm in
Jakarta. He lives with his family in Depok.

I think teachers deserve more pay and the government must
provide a bigger budget for them. How can we expect to have a
better quality education system if teachers are busy looking for
additional income outside their schools?

While we may have poor facilities or a bad curriculum, as long
as we have dedicated and creative teachers we can still have a
good education system. Aristotle and Plato only needed to explain
subjects in front of their students without having to bother
about classrooms or other equipment.

So, I believe that with good books and good teachers, we can
achieve good quality education. But to get a good teacher, we
must pay them enough to allow them to focus on students and the
teaching process.

I think the government can provide the funds if they have the
political will to do so. As far as I can see, much of our budget
has been wasted on unnecessary items or has gone into the pockets
of corrupt officials.

-- The Jakarta Post