Committee III Chairperson Urges Greater Government Support for Private University Lecturers in Indonesia’s Underdeveloped Regions

27 July 2026 oleh admin

West Papua, dpd.go.id – Chairperson of Committee III of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Dr. Filep Wamafma, has expressed his support for lecturers' associations in their efforts to improve the welfare of lecturers, particularly those serving at private universities in Indonesia’s underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.

"We in Committee III appreciate the initiatives taken by lecturers' associations, whether through institutional diplomacy or legal channels. Fair salaries are a fundamental right that not only support lecturers' welfare but also reflect proper recognition of their professionalism. Therefore, we fully support efforts to enhance the recognition and welfare of the academic profession," Filep said on Monday (July 27, 2026).

He emphasized the importance of balanced government policies that provide equal attention to both public and private university lecturers in recognition of their dedication and contributions to higher education. To achieve this, he called for a comprehensive assessment of the challenges faced by lecturers employed by private institutions to ensure they receive equitable support.

"The welfare of private university lecturers deserves greater government attention so that educators, regardless of where they serve, feel supported both morally and through public policy in carrying out their academic responsibilities," he said.

Senator Filep also highlighted the significant challenges confronting private higher education institutions, particularly those operating in the 3T regions. Among these are regional disparities, limited student purchasing power, and restricted access to higher education.

"The cost of living and students' financial capacity differ greatly between Greater Jakarta and other parts of the country, especially the 3T regions. Tuition fee increases that may be feasible in Jakarta cannot simply be replicated in these areas because students' economic conditions are much weaker. This raises the risk of higher dropout rates and hampers the development of both public and private universities in the 3T regions. This is a concern that requires our collective attention," he explained.

In response to these challenges, Committee III, which oversees education, is advocating for more targeted education policies and a comprehensive evaluation of the national education system. Filep noted that current policies have yet to sufficiently address the unique educational challenges faced by the country's remote regions.

"We urge that improving lecturers' welfare become an integral part of a comprehensive review of Indonesia's education management system. We also call on the government to accelerate and direct educational development so that it is equitable, balanced, and just across all regions of Indonesia," he said.

"Committee III supports the efforts of the lecturers' association, but we emphasize that these initiatives must be integrated into the broader evaluation of national education policy. The government must also take concrete action to strengthen education in the 3T regions. We hope to see fair and equitable improvements in lecturers' welfare, accompanied by focused education development policies that ensure equal opportunities throughout Indonesia," Filep concluded.