Teachers' backpay vs. regent's volvo

Teachers' backpay vs. regent's volvo

From Suara Karya

Some of my colleagues, who are elementary school teachers in remote areas of Muna regency, Southeast Sulawesi, have voiced their concerns to me regarding the delay in receiving their backpay.

To process the backpay of Lawa's teachers, one of my colleagues had to make frequent visits to the relevant office in Raha, a city in Muna regency, which is almost 50 kilometers away.

The main problem was not the long distance, but rather the answer received, made in a sharp and rude tone, stating that the backpay of elementary teachers would be not settled as the local administration did not have the funds.

However, in the meantime they promised that the backpay of other civil servants would be settled as they were being processed at central government level.

Some of the officials at Muna regency office responded unpleasantly and one, as quoted by my colleague, said the following: "Why create a headache for us by processing your backpay. Forget it, the amount is so small anyway. You must remember that when the central government made the decision over backpay, it did not include poor regencies, such as Muna."

This official should be aware, that however small the nominal value of backpay, it is the right of a teacher and a sign of the government's appreciation. Therefore, it is only natural for teachers to be persistent in struggling for their rights.

This official should also appreciate the loyalty of teachers to their profession in spite of the problems and pressures they face.

If what the official said -- "Muna is a poor area" -- is true, then he should remind the regent of his unpraiseworthy conduct.

Just imagine, while thousands of teachers go unpaid due to lack of funds at the local administration, the Regent of Muna (appointed a few months ago) has just rushed to acquire a luxury Volvo sedan on credit at a monthly installment of approximately Rp 20 million.

In proportion to Muna's road conditions, which are generally poor, a Toyota Kijang van would surely be more appropriate and sufficient as the Regent's official vehicle.

Anyway, will the backpay of elementary school teachers in Muna ever be settled?

AMI HERMAN

Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi