'A fundamental change is required'<\/p>\n
The closing down of an unlicensed educational institution and the
\nprosecution of both its operators and those who obtained diplomas
\nfrom the institution has given rise to questions regarding the
\ncountry's education system. The Jakarta Post interviewed
\nresidents on what the authorities should do to regain public
\ntrust.<\/p>\n
Ardzuna Sinaga, 27, is an urban designer:<\/p>\n
It is really absurd that people buy degrees. But that happens
\nonly because our education system prompts such action. In order
\nto get a job, you need a certificate. It does not matter where it
\ncomes from.<\/p>\n
Our community still determines someone's intellectual
\ncompetence from a single piece of paper. It would be difficult to
\nshift such a paradigm. However, it always comes back to personal
\njudgment and morality.<\/p>\n
I personally could not care less whether I obtain a master's
\ndegree. Luckily for me, I work in a field where skills and
\ncompetence are proven by hard work instead of degrees.<\/p>\n
But, I do not think anyone can have that privilege. Doctors,
\nfor example, will always be judged by the degree they hold. That
\nis just how our system works.<\/p>\n
Nanang Sugianto, 26, is an engineer at a manufacturing factory
\nin Bekasi:<\/p>\n
I think these people buy degrees because of social pressure.
\nNowadays, it has also become economic pressure. I mean people
\nwould do just about anything, including buying degrees, to obtain
\na high social status as well as economic benefits.<\/p>\n
If you have the skills, you should not worry about such formal
\nrequirements. However, our bureaucracy and structure do not
\nencourage that. Candidates are shortlisted by their curriculum
\nvitae and, in a way, also by what degree they hold.<\/p>\n
As long as our education system is not reformed, there will
\nalways be cases like this. No matter how hard the police try, it
\nis a fundamental change that is required.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-fundamental-change-is-required-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }