Purwokerto, Central Java – Teachers from hundreds of junior high schools in Banyumas protested on Monday to the regency's alms charity agency over the "compulsory" collection of alms from school students.

The protesters claim that compulsory alms collection places a burden on students. The teachers expressed concern the unpopular measure was imposed by the charity agency in cooperation with officials from the local education office.

"We strongly protest against such 'compulsory' alms collection because in certain cases it goes against religious teaching," said Sumaryo, a teacher from state junior high school SMPN9.

Under the agency's plan, each student is obliged to pay Rp 1,000 (10 US cents). "Our school received 20 bundles of the alms coupons to be distributed to students," Sumaryo said.