Brilio.net - Lecturers are one of the key professions in the world of education, which plays an important role in producing the next generation of the nation. However, amidst high demands for quality education and heavy workloads, the welfare of lecturers in Indonesia is still often an issue that needs attention.
Recently, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro expressed his readiness to fight for a salary increase for lecturers. In a Working Meeting with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Satryo emphasized that this plan includes lecturers working in both state and private institutions.
Satryo attended a meeting with Commission X at the DPR RI Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday (6/11), to discuss steps to improve the welfare of lecturers. He realized that the salary gap between State Civil Apparatus (ASN) lecturers and private lecturers could cause new problems if not addressed comprehensively. Therefore, Satryo and his team designed a scenario that ensures that the increase in lecturer salaries does not only apply to ASN lecturers but can also be enjoyed by lecturers working in private universities.
Satryo also admitted that fighting for a budget to fund the welfare of private lecturers is a challenge in itself, considering the complexity of financing that is different from ASN lecturers. However, the Minister of Education and Science and Technology showed his determination to resolve this problem with the cooperation of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives so that the policies taken can be felt by all lecturers in Indonesia.
photo: kemendikbud.go.id
Demands from the Campus Workers Union (SPK)
The commitment of the Minister of Science and Technology Education is in line with the aspirations voiced by the Campus Workers Union (SPK). In the Public Hearing (RDPU) of Commission X the day before, SPK conveyed that the compensation currently received by lecturers is still far from adequate. SPK Chairperson, Dhia Al Uyun, emphasized that lecturers should receive wages equal to other professional professions in government institutions. Dhia said that ideally lecturers in Indonesia receive a minimum take-home pay of Rp10 million per month, because in several ministries, employees with an education level below S-1 only receive equivalent salaries.
If the target salary of Rp10 million per month is difficult to achieve, SPK proposes that the salary of lecturers be at least three times the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) in the area where they teach. This is considered fairer considering the significant role of lecturers in education and the development of science.
SPK has conducted research that shows the sad reality faced by most lecturers in Indonesia. Of the approximately 1,200 lecturers who were respondents, 61 percent reported that their net salary was below Rp3 million per month. This condition is very worrying, especially for private lecturers who often receive salaries below Rp2 million, even lower than the wages of informal workers such as construction workers. In fact, lecturers generally have a minimum education level of S-2 which requires a significant investment of time, energy, and money.
The impact of low salaries is not only felt in economic terms, but also affects the mental and physical well-being of lecturers. Based on data collected by SPK, around 76 percent of lecturers surveyed were forced to take on side jobs to meet their daily needs. They became "rich" not because of the teaching profession they were pursuing, but because of the additional work they took on. This situation is certainly not ideal and can reduce the quality of teaching on campus because the teaching staff is divided in their focus.
photo: kemendikbud.go.id
In addition, the high workload of lecturers without commensurate compensation also has an impact on their mental health. Based on SPK data, 72.2 percent of lecturers experience high work fatigue, which often causes severe stress and physical exhaustion. In fact, some lecturers experience serious mental disorders, and there are tragic cases where lecturers experience mental disorders or even commit suicide. This shows that improving lecturers' welfare is not only about decent income, but also includes protecting their mental health.
Real Steps to Educate Science and Technology to Overcome Lecturer Welfare Issues
The policy to increase lecturers' salaries is an important effort to improve the integrity and professionalism of teaching staff in higher education. The Minister of Education and Science and Technology realizes that prosperous lecturers will be more focused and enthusiastic in educating and developing science. Therefore, he emphasized his commitment to involving related parties in overcoming this problem.
The next step taken by the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology is to prepare a budget plan with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives so that the increase in lecturers' salaries can be realized. In addition, Satryo also opened up the possibility of designing a program involving the private sector so that it can help fund the welfare of lecturers in private universities. Although this challenge is great, support from the government and related parties is expected to accelerate the process of realizing this policy.
In the long term, efforts to increase lecturers' salaries are expected to not only help their welfare, but also encourage the emergence of a generation of lecturers with high integrity. Lecturers who are financially and mentally prosperous will be more committed in carrying out their duties as educators, researchers, and community servants.