Between Loyalty and Precarity: Teachers Living as “Precarious Workers” of Education Sectors in Indonesian Rural Areas

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-406-8_5How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Education Sectors; Indonesia; Precarious Workers; Precarity; Teachers

Abstract

The working conditions of Indonesian teachers were marked by precariousness, defined by low wages, job insecurity, and limited professional support. These challenges often led to diminished motivation and professional dissatisfaction, creating significant hurdles for educators. This research delved into the lived experiences of Indonesian teachers as they navigated the uncertainties of their employment. Employing a qualitative approach, the study focused on teachers in both formal and non-formal education sectors. Data were gathered through interviews and document analysis, offering valuable insights into their struggles and resilience. The findings revealed that teachers in precarious conditions faced a multitude of daily challenges that affected both their professional responsibilities and personal lives. The factors contributing to this precarization included inconsistencies in educational policies, economic constraints exacerbated by impractical institutional practices, and inefficiencies in bureaucratic systems. These conditions significantly impacted teachers’ professional commitment and personal well-being. Professionally, the lack of job security and inadequate compensation diminished their motivation and job satisfaction, resulting in higher turnover rates and reduced engagement in teaching. On a personal level, financial instability and job insecurity strained family relationships, increased stress, and led to mental health challenges. Despite these adversities, teachers in both formal and non-formal settings exhibited remarkable resilience and dedication. Their commitment to their profession was fueled by a belief in the noble and impactful nature of their work, the sense of fulfilling a religious duty, and the encouragement and aspirations instilled by their families. This study underscored the complex interplay between systemic challenges and the enduring spirit of educators, offering a nuanced understanding of their experiences and perseverance.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Niswatin Nurul Hidayati
AU  - Rahma Sugihartati
AU  - Titik Puji Rahayu
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/05/22
TI  - Between Loyalty and Precarity: Teachers Living as “Precarious Workers” of Education Sectors in Indonesian Rural Areas
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Studies (ICoMSi 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 47
EP  - 61
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-406-8_5
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-406-8_5
ID  - Hidayati2025
ER  -