Low Pay, Heavy Workload: Indonesian Lecturers Face Welfare Crisis

The teaching profession in Indonesia, once considered honorable and rewarding, is now facing a crisis of interest, largely driven by inadequate welfare and a disproportionate workload. A viral hashtag, '#JanganJadiDosen' (Don't Be a Lecturer), has emerged on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, serving as a platform for academics to voice their grievances about the stark reality of their compensation compared to their demanding responsibilities.

Many aspiring academics, including those holding doctoral degrees, are reportedly offered base salaries as low as 2.345 million Indonesian rupiah per month. This meager income is barely sufficient for daily living expenses, leaving little to no room for savings, purchasing vehicles, or acquiring property. With an average monthly salary hovering around 3.36 million rupiah, which in many cases falls below the lowest regional minimum wage, it is understandable why fewer graduates are drawn to the profession.

This ironic disparity, where the demanding nature of academic work is juxtaposed with poor financial compensation, is creating a significant concern for the future of higher education in Indonesia. The article points out that individuals who have invested heavily in their education, even pursuing studies abroad, find their earnings upon returning to Indonesia comparable to or even less than those of factory workers. This financial reality is pushing talented graduates to seek alternative career paths that offer better financial prospects.

A preliminary survey conducted by "Melbourne Bergerak" among Indonesian postgraduate students in Australia revealed that a significant majority are not interested in becoming lecturers in Indonesia due to the low salaries. The study also indicated that over 40 percent of lecturers, particularly in private universities, were still earning below 3 million rupiah per month as of mid-2026. If this trend continues without substantial improvements in lecturer welfare, Indonesia's higher education sector faces a looming regeneration crisis, potentially jeopardizing the quality and continuity of academic instruction.