On overseas schooling<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
Having read articles in the Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 editions of
\nMedia Indonesia, I felt saddened and at the same time I saw how
\nridiculous the situation was. Let's look at some simple
\nstatistics. How many Indonesians can afford to send their
\nchildren abroad for their kindergarten up to secondary schooling?
\nIn terms of percentage, what percent would be considered high in
\ncomparison with the total population of Indonesia. Of those going
\nto school abroad, how many are really devoid of nationalism and
\nfail to understand the history of their nation?<\/p>\n
In terms of nationalism, is there any significant difference
\nbetween those going to school abroad and those going to school in
\nIndonesia, so that one can say that those having their schooling
\nabroad are not nationalists?<\/p>\n
In my opinion, formal education (whether given at home or
\nabroad) is not the only factor in the process of shaping one's
\nbehavior. There are other important factors which may affect
\none's nationalism, such as personal experience, parents, peers,
\nclergymen, the print and electronic media, government
\napparatuses, political figures and film stars. So, going to
\nschool at home does not necessarily mean a strong sense of
\nnationalism, especially if one's surroundings are not conducive
\nto the process of shaping one's behavior.<\/p>\n
As we are now entering the era of globalization, I think we
\nmust take greater care when making decisions. It is everybody's
\nright to get their schooling any place, any time and about any
\nsubject which interests them. All will depend on their financial
\nability. If one is prevented financially from pursuing one's
\neducation, it will even be our common job to overcome this
\nproblem.<\/p>\n
So, if we happen to object to some parents sending their
\nchildren to study abroad at a very early age, the authority to
\nmake a decision in this respect will remain in the hands of the
\nparents and the children concerned.<\/p>\n
HENNY E. WIRAWAN<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-overseas-schooling-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }