Burnout among EFL Teachers in Indonesia: Prevalence, Triggers, and Strategies

Authors

  • Lilis Khopifah English Education Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Nurul Faadhilati Idris English Education Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Tsarwan Kasyfillah Nasution English Education Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Reza Anis Maulidya English Education Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5505-6288

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.9131

Keywords:

burnout, coping strategies, EFL teachers, Indonesia, institutional support, mixed-method, teacher well-being

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence, triggers, and coping strategies related to burnout among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Indonesia. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through a survey of 50 EFL teachers and follow-up interviews with 10 participants. Findings from the adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey (MBI-ES) reveal moderate emotional exhaustion (45%), low depersonalization (17%), and lower levels of personal accomplishment (33%). Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) and Conservation of Resources (COR) frameworks, the study identifies key burnout triggers, including academic pressures (85%), emotional demands (84%), organizational factors (77%), and economic concerns (78%). Despite experiencing emotional strain, teachers generally maintain stable instructional performance, reflected in consistent lesson delivery and classroom management. To cope with burnout, teachers primarily rely on personal well-being routines, social support, and self-management strategies, while institutional support remains limited and inconsistent. Overall, the findings underscore the need for stronger systemic and organizational support to enhance teacher well-being and sustain effective EFL instruction in Indonesia.

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Published

2026-01-07

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