Recently, a statement attributed to Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, caused a stir on social media. A viral video suggested that she called teachers a “burden on the state.” This sparked heated discussions, with many people, including teachers and academics, feeling hurt and offended. But what really happened? Let’s dive into the issue and clear up the confusion.
The viral Video and Public Reaction
On August 7, 2025, Sri Mulyani spoke at the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention at ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology). A short clip from her speech went viral, appearing to show her saying that teachers’ salaries are a burden on the state’s finances. This led to widespread criticism, as teachers are often seen as unsung heroes who shape the nation’s future. Many felt that her words were insensitive, especially since teachers, particularly those in private schools, often earn low salaries and struggle financially.
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The backlash was strong. Social media users, educators, and even academics expressed their disappointment. Some argued that teachers are not a burden but a vital investment in the country’s education and progress. The controversy grew as people questioned whether the government truly valued its educators.
Sri Mulyani’s Clarification
On August 19, 2025, Sri Mulyani responded to the controversy through her official Instagram account, @smindrawati. She firmly denied calling teachers a burden, stating that the viral video was a hoax created using deepfake technology. She explained that the clip was manipulated by splicing together parts of her original speech to misrepresent her words. “I never stated that teachers are a burden on the state,” she said, urging the public to be more careful when consuming social media content.
In her actual speech, Sri Mulyani was discussing the challenges of managing the state budget, including the issue of low salaries for teachers and lecturers. She acknowledged that their pay is often insufficient and highlighted the difficulty of funding education solely through the state budget. She also asked whether there could be “community participation” to help improve teachers’ welfare, though she did not specify what this meant.
The Bigger Picture: Teachers’ Salaries and State Budget
Sri Mulyani’s original comments were part of a broader discussion about the 2025 education budget, which totals Rp724.3 trillion. This budget supports programs like the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) for 1.1 million students, the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) for 20.4 million students, and professional allowances for 477,700 non-civil servant teachers. Additionally, 666,900 teachers receive certification benefits.
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However, many teachers, especially non-civil servant and private school teachers, still face low wages. Some earn as little as Rp200,000 to Rp300,000 per month, forcing them to take side jobs like driving online taxis or selling goods to make ends meet. Critics argue that instead of viewing teachers as a financial challenge, the government should see them as a strategic investment for the nation’s future.
This controversy highlights two important issues. First, it shows the dangers of deepfake technology and misinformation. A manipulated video can quickly spread false narratives, damaging reputations and causing public outrage. Sri Mulyani urged everyone to cross-check information from reliable sources to avoid falling for hoaxes.
Second, it brings attention to the ongoing struggle of teachers in Indonesia. While the government has increased the education budget—recently revising it to Rp274.7 trillion for 2026 to support teachers, lecturers, and educational staff—the issue of low salaries remains unresolved. Many believe that improving teachers’ welfare should be a priority, not a burden.
The Sri Mulyani controversy is a reminder to be critical of what we see and hear online. It also sparks an important conversation about the value of teachers. Rather than debating whether they are a burden, the focus should be on ensuring they are fairly compensated for their critical role in shaping future generations.
As Sri Mulyani herself said, Indonesia’s education system is a key part of the nation’s progress. By investing in teachers, the country invests in its future. Let’s hope this incident leads to more action to support educators and less room for misinformation.
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