Thousands reject contract teachers in E. Nusa Tenggara

Thousands of students at teaching and pedagogy schools from a number of universities staged a protest on Tuesday against 700 contract workers assigned by the Education and Culture Ministry to 10 regencies in East Nusa Tenggara.

The protest took place in front of the East Nusa Tenggara Legislative Council and the East Nusa Tenggara governor’s office in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, with police and public order officers standing guard.

The assignment of the contract teachers was part of the ministry’s program to have “university graduates teach in underdeveloped and remote areas”.

“We refuse [to acknowledge] the Education and Culture Ministry’s decision,” protest coordinator Yermias Wabang said.

“We demand the ministry withdraw the 700 contract teachers who are already here, as there are already thousands of local teachers [funded by local administrations], who have devoted themselves to teaching in remote areas and soon will be promoted to permanent status.”

The protesters have given the government 72 hours to meet their demand, otherwise more protests will be held across the province on a larger scale. (mtq)