Reports of a 12 percent salary increase for civil servants (ASN), including PNS, TNI, Polri, and PPPK, have been circulating widely on social media. This news has drawn massive interest from both government employees and retirees who are seeking clarity about the timeline and certainty of the proposed pay rise.
An official response was delivered by the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. In a recent press conference held in Jakarta, Purbaya addressed the discourse by stating that the Ministry of Finance had not yet prepared a special budget for the increase in pensions for PNS or state civil apparatus. He emphasized that fiscal policy cannot be based on public speculation. There must be an official decree or legal basis, such as a Government Regulation or Presidential Regulation, before budget allocations can be confirmed.
Official Regulation and Pay Schemes
The speculation about salary improvements grew rapidly when President Prabowo enacted Presidential Regulation Number 79, which covers the government’s updated work plans. Even though this regulation was officially signed, there has been no formal announcement concerning implementation or disbursement of increased salaries for civil servants, law enforcement, and contracted government employees.
Current guidelines for pension and salary payments for PNS and PPPK refer to Government Regulation No. 8, which set a basic salary increase of 12 percent starting in early 2024. This remains the legal reference for PT Taspen and other payment providers to calculate salaries and pensions for government employees.
Current Salary Structure for State Civil Apparatus
Currently, whether or not adjustments are made, the salary system for ASN (including PNS and PPPK) is determined according to the employee’s group or rank. The basic monthly pay for state civil servants is categorized by grade as follows:
- Group IA: Entry-level civil servants
- Group IB: Junior-level officials
- Group IC: Middle-level officials
- Group ID and up: Senior civil servants
An example of state employee salary based on current regulations:
| Civil Servant Grade | Basic Salary (Rp) – After 12% Adjustment |
|---|---|
| IA | 1,685,700 – 2,558,700 |
| IIB | 2,022,200 – 3,373,600 |
| IIIC | 2,579,400 – 4,236,400 |
| IVB | 2,966,500 – 4,929,700 |
It should be noted that this salary excludes allowances such as regional allowances, performance incentives, or position-related bonuses, which may significantly boost take-home pay in certain ministries, sectors, or regions.
Uncertainty of Further Increase
Despite the clear references to existing salary and pension rules, the government has not issued any statement regarding further increases. The Ministry of Finance stressed that resources for the upcoming State Budget are currently prioritized for essential initiatives, including national strategic projects, energy subsidies, and recovery programs following the pandemic.
The reality is that any new pay rise for ASN or retirees must await official instructions or new statutory provisions, which can only be issued by the highest levels of state authority. Without such a legal mandate, it is impossible for government agencies to redirect fiscal allocations simply based on rumors.
Employees and retirees are encouraged to monitor official announcements or policy releases for any updates regarding civil servant pay adjustments. Staying informed through credible government sources and avoiding information from unverified social media posts will help prevent misunderstandings about changes to salary or pension policies.
