Salary Cut to Rp223,000 per Month, Moving Response from Casual Teacher Continues to Teach

Jakarta – A casual teacher from East Nusa Tenggara, Agusthinus Nitbani, recently went viral on Instagram and TikTok social media platforms. The casual teacher, who resides in Sumlili Village, West Kupang District, has dedicated 24 years of service as a casual teacher at Batu Esa State Primary School.

After 24 years of service as a casual teacher, Agus, as he is commonly known, earns only Rp600,000 per month. He has also disclosed that his salary is sometimes paid in lump sums after six months. Agus shared this during a meeting with crypto community founder Sulianto Indria Putra.

“So Rp600,000 is not enough for my family’s monthly needs, and our salary of Rp600,000 is only given after six months. There are four of us in total – two children and one wife,” he said, as quoted from the TikTok account @TuanmudaSuli on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

However, in July 2025, Agus had to face a tragic situation when his salary was reduced due to budget efficiency measures. Agus acknowledged that the salary cut has further squeezed his already strained finances, as he must support two children and a wife.

“In July 2025, my salary was cut to Rp223,000. It’s not enough, and things have become even worse – it’s like I’m struggling for my life because the salary is less than half,” he said.

However, Agus had to be resourceful. He chose to farm to meet his family’s needs.

“I farm because my salary is insufficient for basic living expenses,” he said, as quoted from the Instagram account @net.sull.

With such meagre wages, Agus has had to find creative ways to reduce expenses. To minimise transportation costs, he hitches rides on trucks to travel to his school.

“School starts at 06:30. I hitch a ride on a truck, then wait in front for another truck to take me to Batu Esa,” he said.

In several video clips circulating on social media, the public has been moved by Agus’s determination. Despite earning only Rp223,000 per month, he remains committed to teaching.

When asked if he considered leaving teaching due to insufficient compensation, Agus’s response demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his profession despite the financial hardship.