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