Regional teacher hiring plan draws regional autonomy concerns
Various government officials have called the plan to transfer nonpermanent teachers' contracts under regional administrations to the central government a solution to regional fiscal pressure and underpaid contract teachers.
Jakarta officials have proposed moving nonpermanent teaching contracts to the central government, claiming it will alleviate fiscal pressures and address underpayment issues. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi made the announcement after discussions with ministers and lawmakers. Teachers currently employed under part-time or full-time government contract schemes will transition to full-time positions, while full-time contract teachers will have the chance to apply for state employment.
The move aims to settle long-standing concerns about employment security and career growth for these educators. Critics argue that the proposal may lead to a resurgence of centralization, as teachers would become state employees under central government administration. Currently, nonpermanent teachers, including those in part- and full-time roles, are managed under the Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) scheme and receive salaries from regional budgets.
However, education experts argue that these teachers are often underpaid, earning significantly less than the provincial minimum wage, despite performing the same duties as state employees and contract workers. The government's decision to implement this plan comes as regional administrations face increasing financial burdens due to budget cuts imposed by President Prabowo, including reductions in regional transfers.
These budget efficiency measures are intended to free up funds for the President's key initiatives, such as the nationwide free nutritious meal program.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
