'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