RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The part-time P3K teachers salary has sparked a major protest in Tulungagung after hundreds of educators reported taking home only Rp 300,000 per month, an amount they say falls far below basic living standards.
On Wednesday (Feb. 11), teachers and education staff gathered outside the Tulungagung Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building. They staged a peaceful demonstration, urging lawmakers to address what they describe as unfair compensation and improper job placement.
Protesters sat cross-legged on the street in front of the council complex. While offering prayers for the region’s future, they called on authorities to improve the welfare of part-time P3K educators.
According to Muhadi, head of the Tulungagung branch of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI), 1,628 teachers and education staff have been affected by the current policy.
“The primary demand is a salary that reflects basic human dignity. The current pay is not enough to sustain a person, especially those who support families,” Muhadi said.
At present, most newly appointed part-time P3K teachers receive Rp 350,000 per month before mandatory deductions. After contributions are withheld, their net income drops to roughly Rp 300,000.
Before obtaining P3K status, many educators earned significantly more as honorary teachers. Certification allowances provided around Rp 1.9 million, while schools added between Rp 900,000 and Rp 1 million in supplementary income.
Those earnings have now disappeared. Instead, teachers rely solely on the reduced P3K salary.
For many, the sudden income decline has created severe financial strain. Muhadi described the situation as a matter of survival.
“This concerns basic needs. No one can live properly on Rp 300,000 per month,” he stressed.
Beyond salary concerns, job placement has become another pressing issue. Data from PGRI show that 201 part-time P3K teachers currently have no assigned classes or teaching hours.
Without official workloads, these educators cannot access professional certification payments. Consequently, their financial situation has become even more precarious.
Teachers argue that authorities must align placements with official job analyses to prevent further inequities.
During a meeting with DPRD leaders, council members pledged to coordinate with regional officials and relevant agencies next week. Nevertheless, educators say they will wait for concrete action before expressing satisfaction.
“Dialogue is important, but results matter more. Until their rights meet a decent living standard, we cannot claim progress,” Muhadi said.
Participants emphasized that their demands are modest. Rather than seeking excessive benefits, they ask for fair treatment and adequate recognition as educators.
“They simply want justice and respect for their profession,” Muhadi concluded.