RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The part-time P3K teachers salary in Tulungagung has drawn concern after several educators revealed they earn as little as Rp 300,000 (around $20) per month, forcing them to survive on wages far below basic living costs.

For many teachers, receiving their official appointment decree (SK) as Government Contract Employees (P3K) should have marked a milestone. Instead, some describe the moment as heartbreaking. The document listed a monthly salary of just Rp 350,000 before mandatory deductions.

After contributions were deducted, many teachers took home only around Rp 300,000. That amount must cover food, transportation, and family expenses for an entire month.

Dian Setyaningrum, a teacher at SDN 1 Bulusari in Kedungwaru District, said the reality has been overwhelming. As a single parent, she supports her children alone.

“With Rp 300,000, it’s clearly not enough. Buying food is already difficult, not to mention my children’s school needs,” she said quietly.

At one point, Dian postponed buying basic personal necessities. She continues teaching in worn-out shoes because she cannot afford a new pair.

“Sometimes I ask myself, why is it like this? Even my teaching shoes are torn, but I still wear them because I don’t have the money to replace them. However, in front of my students, I must stay strong,” she said, holding back tears.

Although she views teaching as a calling rather than just a job, financial pressure has made that calling increasingly heavy.

Candra Dian Rahman faces similar challenges. He previously taught at SDN 2 Ringinpitu and now teaches at SDN 3 Rejoagung while waiting for an updated placement decree.

The uncertainty over his official assignment adds to the financial strain. Meanwhile, his Rp 300,000 monthly income barely covers transportation costs, let alone household needs.

“We only ask for a fair salary that reflects our workload. If this salary cannot even cover fuel, how can we support our families?” he said.

Likewise, Andik Nurohmad, a teacher at SDN Batangsaren 1, struggles to provide for his wife and children. Although he earns Rp 350,000 before deductions, the net income falls short of basic living standards.

“When you calculate it, it’s clearly not enough. But we keep going because our families still need to eat,” he said.

Several teachers said they never expected their income to decrease after officially obtaining P3K status. Instead of financial stability, they now face deeper economic hardship. As the issue gains attention, educators hope policymakers will review the part-time P3K teachers salary scheme and adjust it to reflect workload and minimum living costs.

For now, many continue teaching with professionalism and dedication, despite mounting financial stress. However, without meaningful changes, they warn that sustaining quality education under such conditions will become increasingly difficult.