Education bill
\nunrealistic<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
The national education bill has caused quite a stir in
\nsociety, with the introduction of Article 13 paragraph (1)a
\nrequiring the teaching of different religious subjects. It means
\nthat Islam and Buddhism, for instance, are taught in Christian
\nschools, while Catholicism and Hinduism are included in Islamic
\nschools. So far, however, Islamic schools have hardly ever
\nreceived non-Muslim students.<\/p>\n
The concern voiced by many should not be seen as prejudice.
\nReligion-based private schools appeal to many people of other
\nreligions because they follow an open system, allowing the
\nenrollment of students of various backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, religious education should be integrated and
\nadequate rather than a mere formality. The family and society
\nconstitute the most dominant institution for children's religious
\nunderstanding, whereas schools should serve more to provide a
\nmoral basis for students to nurture mutual respect in inter-
\nreligious communications. This is the foundation of religious
\neducation in Catholic schools.<\/p>\n
The enforcement of such a law is therefore irrelevant and
\nunrealistic because the teaching of religion should be supported
\nby spiritual facilities like worship buildings and equipment,
\nbesides the observance of religious holidays.<\/p>\n
Many other more urgent education issues remain to be
\naddressed, such as damaged school buildings, unclear educational
\nprinciples and low teacher salaries. Prompt settlement of these
\nmatters should first be sought, instead of changing the system of
\nteaching, especially in religion-based private schools that have
\nso far made smooth progress.<\/p>\n
MATHILDA B.
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/education-bill-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}