Who Deserves More? Indonesians Say Teachers and Farmers — Not Politicians
A YouGov survey reveals a wide gap between pay and perceived contribution.
🎯 The Main Takeaway
A new YouGov survey reveals a clear divide between pay and perceived contribution in Indonesia.
While politicians and celebrities are seen as the most overpaid, essential workers like farmers and teachers are viewed as the nation’s most undervalued — exposing a growing sentiment of economic and moral imbalance.
💡 Key Highlight
90% of Indonesians say Members of Parliament earn more than they deserve — including 82% who believe they are “overpaid by a lot” 💰
74% view farmers as underpaid, followed by 73% who say the same about teachers 🌾📚
🩺 Doctors are a unique case: nearly half consider them overpaid, yet they remain the most valued profession (90% citing “high contribution”)
📱✨Influencers, while seen as overpaid, are also recognized for rising social influence — a sign of changing generational values
🔍 Why It Matters
The findings shed light on Indonesia’s moral economy, where those sustaining the nation — from farmers to educators — feel least rewarded.
It underscores a broader anxiety over fairness, social worth, and economic recognition 🌍 in an era of widening inequality.
🛰️ Why It’s on Our Radar
Public sentiment around fairness and pay is emerging as a barometer of political trust in Indonesia 🗳️
As economic pressures mount and citizens demand greater accountability, perceptions of who deserves what are likely to influence future debates on leadership, governance, and social justice 📊
🌏 The Big Picture
This is not just about wages — it’s about how societies assign value.
Across modern economies, essential professions are often overlooked in favor of high-visibility, low-impact roles, deepening the gap between economic systems and social ethics ⚖️
🧩 The Regional Stakes
Across Southeast Asia 🌏, similar dynamics are emerging:
🇵🇭 Statistics from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) show that many teachers are leaving for better pay abroad ✈️
🇲🇾 In Malaysia, a growing crisis among nurses and doctors highlights mounting pressure in the healthcare sector — with low pay cited as one of a key factor behind burnout and shortages 🏥
The YouGov findings place Indonesia within a regional debate on dignity in work — testing ASEAN’s shared goal of inclusive growth 🤝
⚖️ What’s at Stake
If the imbalance persists, Indonesia risks eroding trust in its social contract 🧱
Failing to value essential professions could discourage younger generations from entering teaching, agriculture, and public service, widening future labor gaps and weakening social resilience 🌱
❤️ Why This Hits Home
For many Indonesians, this survey reflects daily realities — teachers struggling to make ends meet, farmers battling rising costs, and workers feeling unseen despite their effort.
The results give voice to a sentiment long felt but rarely quantified: “We work hard, but are we truly valued?” 💬
Beyond The Headlines 📰
The data comes from YouGov Surveys, a research platform tracking public opinion globally 🌐
This study polled 2,019 Indonesian adults online aged 18+ years between 15–17 September 2025, covering 36 professions — from MPs to factory workers
YouGov uses a nationally representative sample, offering a reliable snapshot of how Indonesians perceive wage fairness and social contribution 📊
The Bottom Line 👉🌍
The YouGov survey does more than rank professions — it exposes a national reflection on value, fairness, and respect for essential work.
In Indonesia’s changing economy, the question isn’t only who earns the most — but who truly deserves it.
Need More Angles?
YouGov Indonesians see Politicians as most overpaid, farmers and teachers as most undervalued
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Better pay, benefits lure Filipino teachers to schools in Japan
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New Straits Times Nurses are overworked, underpaid and unappreciated
(BRZ/ELS)