Siyad

Siyad, a 33-year-old lecturer at a state university in Jambi, Indonesia, previously worked as an archaeologist and private consultant in Jakarta for six years before choosing to pursue a career in academia. His transition to being a lecturer has not been easy; he initially earned a basic salary of around Rp 3.2 million per month, which he found insufficient to support his family and cover living expenses. Despite facing financial challenges, he has persevered through his first three years in academia, managing to increase his income through side jobs as a consultant and researcher. His story reflects the struggles of many Indonesian lecturers who grapple with low salaries and heavy workloads, leading to calls for improved welfare in the sector.