Cheaper books needed to support compulsory education<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The success of the newly launched nine-year
\ncompulsory education plan hinges to a large extent on cheaper
\nbook prices, education experts say.<\/p>\n
Books in Indonesia are largely unaffordable for most people,
\nwith one school textbook on average being used by eight students
\nin many areas, according to an official survey.<\/p>\n
Most people are beginning to recognize the importance of books
\nand of acquiring good reading habits, but this growing awareness
\nhas not been supported by lower book prices, Sukowaluyo, a member
\nof the House of Representatives (DPR) said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
"For many people, books are still considered luxury goods,"
\nSukowaluyo told a seminar on book availability and the national
\neducation system.<\/p>\n
Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro in his
\nkeynote address said international surveys found a strong
\ncorrelation between literacy and access to books.<\/p>\n
"In countries where there is high literacy, access to books is
\nusually easier," Wardiman said, underlining that prices and
\ngreater selection are criteria for accessibility.<\/p>\n
Indonesia ranks 28th out of 32 countries in terms of literacy
\nbased on a survey by the International Association for the
\nEvaluation of Educational Achievement, he said, adding that
\nproviding people with access to books remains a problem in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
The survey found that the ability to read is related to the
\neconomic standing and health of the adult, the age of entering
\neducation, the number of books in his library and the
\naccessibility of acquiring new books.<\/p>\n
A survey by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 1992 also
\nfound that students' achievements in mathematics are influenced
\nby ownership of the textbooks as well as their reading habits,
\nwhether in a library or at home.<\/p>\n
The study also found that some school textbooks presently in
\nuse should be reviewed and developed.<\/p>\n
Sukowaluyo, who is a member of the DPR's Commission IX dealing
\nwith education said previous campaigns to invigorate people's
\nreading habits have always been hampered by the high prices of
\nthe books. "It does not bode well for the drive to eliminate
\nintellectual poverty," he said.<\/p>\n
He argued for government subsidies in the publication and
\nprinting of science, history and other popular books.<\/p>\n
He also proposed the establishment of more public libraries
\nthroughout the country. (01)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cheaper-books-needed-to-support-compulsory-education-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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