Private school teachers demand equal rights

The government is discriminating private school teachers by restricting their chance to improve their career and financial support, chairman of the newly established Association of Private School Teachers said Thursday.

"Teachers from state schools receive subsidies amounting to Rp 250,000 [US$27.5] each month, while those teaching at private schools earn nothing," chairman Isahuddin Sitorus said.

He lamented the fact  the government set a quota ranging from 75 to 85 percent per region each year for teachers in public schools pursuing certification, but only 15 to 25 percent for teachers in private schools.

"There is no fundamental reason for [the disparity]," Isahuddin said.

He added many private school teachers were paid inadequately, sometimes lower than the minimum regional wage.

Hajda Maimunah Umar from the Regional Representatives Council said he believed the government had made attempts to improve the welfare of the private school teachers.