Low teacher salaries are a reality that we have heard about for a long time, but for some reason it always becomes a story that is repeated year after year. According to research conducted by the Institute for Demographic and Poverty Studies (IDEAS) and Dompet Dhuafa in 2024, 74.3% of respondents who are honorary teachers have an income of less than Rp2 million per month. Of this group, 20.5% are paid less than IDR 500,000 per month.
In fact, teachers are professionals who play a major role in shaping the nation’s future generations. As taught in Islam, teachers hold a very noble position as inheritors of knowledge and mentors of morals, whose status is elevated by Allah SWT. Unfortunately, the remuneration in the form of salaries is not always commensurate with the services and responsibilities they carry. When we talk about low teacher salaries, it is not just a matter of the nominal amount, but also a matter of appreciation, welfare, and the future of education itself.
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Low Teacher Salaries and Heavy Workloads
When we compare the low salaries of teachers with their daily workloads, it is clear that they are not commensurate. Teachers do not just come to class and teach; they also prepare materials, grade assignments, mentor students, and participate in school activities outside of working hours. Sometimes, teachers also become counselors, second parents, and even confidants to their students.
However, when it comes to the numbers on their pay slips, it often makes you shake your head. Many temporary teachers, for example, only receive hundreds of thousands of rupiah per month or every three months. Clearly, that amount is not enough to meet their daily needs, especially in big cities.
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Teacher Salary Gap
The phenomenon of low teacher salaries also creates inequality in the world of education. Teachers, who should be focused on teaching, are sometimes forced to find side jobs to cover their daily needs. As a result, their energy and attention are divided.
On the other hand, elite private schools or international schools may be able to offer more decent salaries, but not all teachers can get in there. Ultimately, what emerges is inequality: there are teachers who are well-off, and there are also teachers who are still struggling to survive.
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Factors Causing Low Teacher Salaries That Must Be Recognized
If we ask why low teacher salaries are still an issue today, the answer is quite complex. Some of the factors that are often mentioned include:
Honorary Employment Status Causes Low Teacher Salaries
Competing for civil servant/P3K status is tough and difficult. Limited vacancies and the overwhelming number of applicants mean that many competent teachers are forced to become honorary teachers.
Uneven Distribution of Education Budget
The education budget is a very important factor for teachers’ welfare. We have an education budget of 20% of the state budget, but its distribution is often uneven.
In 2026, the education budget will increase by 9.8% from IDR 690 trillion to IDR 757.8 trillion. This increase shows the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers, especially honorary teachers, through various programs such as professional allowances, quality training improvements, and more equitable employment status appointments.
School and regional policies
Teacher salary policies in Indonesia vary between civil servant teachers (PNS/PPPK) and non-civil servant teachers (honorary), with some regions able to pay teachers decently and others very limited.
Lack of appreciation for the teaching profession
The teaching profession is sometimes still considered a “normal” job compared to other professions. This is due to several factors, one of which is the quality of teachers, which is not as good as in other countries. In Finland, being a teacher is a highly respected profession, with high qualifications (at least a Master’s degree), and teachers receive high salaries.
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Low Teacher Salaries and Their Impact on Teaching Motivation
We cannot ignore the fact that low teacher salaries affect work motivation. This does not mean that teachers are not sincere or dedicated, but it is only natural for someone to want to be properly rewarded for their work. If teachers’ welfare is low, their motivation may also decline.
What is more dangerous is that this can also have an impact on the quality of education. How can teachers give their best if their basic needs are not met? So, the issue of salaries is not just an individual problem, but also a systemic problem that affects the future of the next generation.
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Hope for Overcoming the Issue of Low Teacher Salaries
Although the current situation is not ideal, there is still hope that the issue of low teacher salaries can be changed. Several steps can be taken to make this happen, such as the government clarifying the status and welfare of honorary teachers, and schools striving to provide additional incentives according to their capabilities. The community is also expected to show more appreciation for the teaching profession, not only through words but also through real support. On the other hand, teachers can also improve their competence to increase their value and competitiveness in the world of education. Change may not be instant, but if all parties are serious, the teaching profession will be given the respect it deserves.
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Teacher Welfare as a Solution to the Problem of Low Teacher Salaries
Low teacher salaries are a real problem that has been going on for too long. Heavy workloads, educational disparities, and a lack of appreciation often put teachers in a difficult position. In fact, they play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future generations.
When we talk about the future of education, we cannot only focus on the curriculum or facilities. Teacher welfare must also be a priority. Ultimately, the quality of education depends on who is teaching. If teachers continue to be rewarded with low salaries, how can we expect education in this country to produce a great generation?
Although teachers’ salaries remain an unresolved issue, we can still contribute to better education. One way is by donating through Dompet Dhuafa, so that more teachers can be helped and children from underprivileged families can have access to proper education. This simple support can be part of a collective effort to produce a smarter and more empowered generation.
