The Art of Teaching: Where Passion Meets Poverty (But Hopefully, a Pay Rise)
Ah, the noble profession of teaching. Where else can you find individuals who are willing to shape the minds of future generations, while simultaneously struggling to make ends meet? It’s a bit like being a superhero, but instead of a cape, you get a stack of unpaid bills and a dwindling sense of hope.
But fear not, dear teachers of Indonesia! For President Prabowo Subianto has heard your pleas and is ready to bestow upon you a pay rise that will make your eyes water with joy (or at least, that’s the plan). According to Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, non-civil servant (ASN) teachers will receive a whopping Rp2 million (approximately USD122) increase in their salary, while ASN teachers will get a one-time bonus equivalent to their basic salary. Wow, I can already hear the champagne corks popping!
Now, before we get too carried away, let’s put things into perspective. A Rp2 million increase might sound like a lot, but when you consider the cost of living in Indonesia, it’s more like a gentle pat on the back than a game-changing windfall. Still, it’s a start, and we should commend President Subianto for recognizing the value of his country’s educators.
But what’s this? The minister didn’t mention when the policy will take effect? Ah, come on, guys! You’re like a group of kids on Christmas morning, promising presents, but not quite delivering on the exact date. It’s like, "Hey, kids! You might get that new bike… eventually. Maybe. Possibly. Ish."
And what about the certification allowances, you ask? Well, it seems that the ministry is working on providing these to teachers who pass the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) certification. Ah, because what every teacher needs is more paperwork and bureaucratic hoops to jump through. I mean, who doesn’t love a good certification process, am I right?
On a more serious note, it’s heartening to see the government taking steps to improve teacher welfare. After all, as the theme of the upcoming National Teachers’ Day (HGN) so aptly puts it, "Great Teachers, Strong Indonesia." It’s a reminder that educators are the backbone of any society, and their well-being is crucial to the country’s future.
In conclusion, while the pay rise might not be the most generous, it’s a step in the right direction. And who knows, maybe one day, Indonesian teachers will be able to afford more than just a plate of nasi goreng for lunch. A teacher can dream, right?
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Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto has approved a far-reaching plan to enhance the welfare of the country’s education sector by significantly increasing the salaries of non-civil servant (ASN) teachers by Rp2 million (approximately USD122) and ASN teachers by a substantial amount equivalent to their basic salary.
This information was conveyed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, after engaging in a high-level meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday. “The forthcoming increase in teacher welfare is expected to be formally announced, with non-ASN teachers set to receive a notable raise of Rp2 million, while ASN teachers will experience a substantial increase equivalent to their basic salary,” he informed the press, while refraining from specifying the exact date of implementation.
Mu’ti emphasized that the proposed wage hike for ASN teachers would solely be based on their nominal basic salary, excluding any additional forms of compensation. “Only the basic salary will be taken into account for the increase,” he clarified.
The minister has formally requested President Prabowo to officially declare the new policy during the upcoming commemoration of National Teachers’ Day (HGN) at the Rawamangun Velodrome in East Jakarta on November 28, 2024. As part of the scheduled agenda, representatives of teachers from various regions across Indonesia have been invited to participate in the commemoration.
“The President has graciously expressed his willingness to open and deliver a keynote speech at the 2024 National Teacher’s Day celebration, which is centered around the theme ‘Great Teachers, Strong Indonesia,'” Mu’ti confirmed. This theme aptly reflects the pivotal role that teachers play as primary agents of learning, civilization, and determinants of human resource quality in shaping the nation’s future.
Earlier on Monday, Mu’ti stated that his ministry aimed to improve teacher welfare by introducing certification allowances as an alternative to direct salary increases. “Although our ministry lacks the authority to effect changes to teacher salaries, which falls under the purview of other ministries, we can explore alternative avenues, such as certification, to enhance teacher welfare,” he explained.
To this end, the ministry is currently preparing comprehensive training programs for approximately 850 thousand teachers, who will participate and pass the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) certification in 2025. This move is designed to improve teacher welfare through the provision of certification allowances upon successful completion of the certification process.
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