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Universities skeptical over govt's commitment to lecturers' welfare
The education minister has recently announced a decision to review a new rule on incentive pay for lecturers issued by his predecessor, which was due to come into force in January, leading some universities to question the government's commitment to improving their welfare.
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Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro (second right, in white shirt) attends a meeting with Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Committee III overseeing education and culture on Dec. 3, 2024, at the Senayan legislative complex in Jakarta. (Antara/Asprilla Dwi Adha)
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recent decision from the Higher Education, Science and Technology Ministry to postpone the enactment of a new regulation mandating incentive pay for lecturers has caused some universities to question the government’s seriousness in improving the welfare of lecturers.
On the other hand, private institutions that faced potential financial burdens in complying with the regulation have lauded the ministry’s decision.
In September, then-education minister Nadiem Makarim signed a ministerial regulation to establish a comprehensive framework on the salaries and career progression of lecturers. The policy mandates the government to pay performance allowances to lecturers with civil servant status starting from January 2025.
It also mandates lecturers to pass competency tests to qualify for a promotion, eliminating the credit-based promotion scheme stipulated in previous rules.
Nadiem issued the regulation amid pressure to improve the welfare of lecturers, who were ineligible for performance allowances, in contrast to civil servants under other ministries and state institutions.
The new policy also requires private universities to provide lecturers with additional financial incentives to ensure they are at least paid the minimum wage for a particular region.
But incumbent education minister Satryo Soemanti Brodjonegoro announced last week that the ministry would evaluate the regulation, potentially postponing the disbursement of lecturers’ allowances.
