Ministry of Education Split into Three Agencies, Academic Allowance for Civil Servant Lecturers at Kemendikti Not Budgeted
In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) has been split into three separate agencies, causing a ripple effect in the academic community. One of the key issues arising from this restructuring is the failure to allocate funds for the performance allowance of civil servant lecturers at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikti) in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Saintek).
Expert Analysis and Demands
Education observers have criticized Kemendikti Saintek’s decision not to budget performance allowances for civil servant lecturers, citing the nomenclature change as “overly whimsical.” The regulations regarding the performance allowance for civil servant lecturers were mandated by the Law on Civil Servants in 2014 and further detailed in the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform Regulation.
The Alliance of Civil Servant Lecturers at Kemendikti Saintek throughout Indonesia (Adaksi) has demanded that the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, issue regulations regarding the provision of performance allowances within his first one hundred working days. Failure to meet this demand may result in thousands of lecturers going on strike.
Government Response and Future Plans
In response to these demands, the Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Stella Christie, stated that the ministry is in the process of finalizing a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) regarding the performance allowances for civil servant lecturers. This regulation is deemed necessary as a derivative rule to release the budget. The draft Perpres is currently undergoing harmonization.
Personal Story: The Struggle of a Dedicated Lecturer
Amidst the turmoil within the academic community, the story of Ekfindar Diliana, a lecturer at Musamus University in Merauke, sheds light on the challenges faced by educators. Known affectionately as Fina, she candidly shared her exhaustion from juggling multiple jobs to supplement her income. From teaching Linguistics and handling administrative tasks at the university to tutoring primary and secondary school students in English after hours, Fina’s routine is demanding and draining.
After nearly three years of balancing these responsibilities, Fina expressed her desire to focus solely on teaching at the university without the need for side jobs. The emotional toll of this balancing act is evident in her words, reflecting the inner conflict and exhaustion she experiences daily. As a civil servant lecturer under Kemendikti Saintek, Fina earns a monthly salary of Rp3.6 million, supplemented by various allowances.
Fina’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of bureaucratic decisions on the lives of dedicated educators, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by those committed to shaping the future generation through education.