Indonesia Promises to Increase Teacher Salaries by 0.003% After 'Strong Fiscal Year'
Indonesia announces a 0.003 percent teacher salary increase after a “strong fiscal year,” sparking debate on education priorities.
JAKARTA — Indonesia announced Thursday that all public school teachers will receive a 0.003% salary increase, following what one official described as “an exceptionally strong fiscal year filled with resilience, optimism, and economic surplus.”
The announcement was made during a televised press conference at a new Ministry Headquarters. Standing beside his recently acquired imported SUV, spokesperson Rinaldi Sutopo assured the public that this gesture reflects the “deep and heartfelt commitment to the teaching profession.”
“Teachers are the backbone of our society,” Sutopo said, while adjusting his luxury watch. “We wanted to show that appreciation in a way that is meaningful, yet fiscally responsible. The 0.003% increment strikes that perfect balance.”
In addition to the raise, estimated to increase the average teacher’s monthly salary by the approximate market value of a banana, all teachers will receive a commemorative stapler, engraved with the official motto: “Knowledge is Priceless.”
The staplers will be distributed during a one-time Teacher Appreciation Day event scheduled for March 3rd, 2026, pending procurement delays.
Teachers around the country have responded with a mix of cautious optimism.
“I wasn’t expecting anything, so this is technically more than nothing,” said Siti Nurhaliza, a 14-year veteran primary school teacher in West Java. “I’m not sure how to use the raise, though. It’s too small to buy food, but I think I can print out a worksheet in color ink next month. Just one.”
The Teachers’ Union released a statement describing the raise as “a positive step forward in a very, very long and mostly circular journey.” The statement also included a polite reminder that average class sizes remain above 40 students and that many teachers still moonlight as ride-share drivers to cover rent.
When asked if this raise would be followed by a more substantial adjustment in the future, Sutopo confirmed that a comprehensive salary review is “tentatively scheduled for the next medium-term fiscal window,” projected for between 2031 and 2032, or sooner if teacher satisfaction ratings rise organically.
“We need to carefully assess the macroeconomic implications of any future changes. And besides, you can’t measure respect in rupiah.”
Internal documents obtained by this publication reveal early discussions about offering additional non-monetary incentives, including exclusive teacher emojis for messaging apps and a verified badge on the National Education Portal for top performers.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that funding for the annual National Educators Gala will proceed as planned at a five-star hotel, with limited seating available for working teachers via lottery.
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