Teacher Allowance Cuts in Wonosobo Reach Highest Point

The Ministry of Finance halted the disbursement of Teacher Professional Allowance funds in the 2016 fiscal year, amounting to Rp 23.4 trillion, to regional treasuries. Wonosobo Regency had the largest amount halted, at Rp 1 trillion, followed by Bekasi Regency at Rp 642 billion. However, this significant halt in teacher allowance payments does not reduce teachers' salaries.

According to a circular letter regarding the allowance suspension, the decision was part of a data reconciliation process involving teachers' data from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency. The halt was implemented following the Ministry of Finance's discovery of Rp 19.6 trillion in remaining Teacher Professional Allowance funds in regional treasury accounts. The reduction was also made after reviewing the latest revised teacher data.

With the existing surplus funds in regional treasuries, the Ministry of Finance deemed further fund transfers unnecessary. The 2016 teacher allowance payments should have been covered by the remaining funds from 2015.