'Only the rich can go to school'<\/p>\n
On May 2 on National Education Day, President Susilo Bambang
\nYudhoyono blasted the growing number of private schools, many of
\nwhich put profit before quality education. Ironically, the
\ngovernment has yet to allocate 40 percent of the state budget to
\nprovide quality, affordable education for all as stipulated in
\nthe Constitution. The Jakarta Post asked Jakartans their thoughts
\non the issue.<\/p>\n
Hendarti, 34, is a shopkeeper in Mangga Dua, Central Jakarta.
\nShe lives with her husband, who is a civil servant, and their two
\nchildren, who are still in elementary school in Ciputat,
\nTangerang regency:<\/p>\n
The government cannot live up to its own words. It says that
\nall children have to go to school under its nine-year compulsory
\neducation policy. But it does not provide free education for
\nelementary and junior high school.<\/p>\n
Only the rich can send their children to school, particularly
\na good school. A simple state elementary school, asks over Rp 2
\nmillion for an entrance fee.<\/p>\n
Thank God I can still afford school fees as my children are
\nstill in the elementary school.<\/p>\n
But it would be a great help if the government provided free
\neducation so I can save and send them to high school and
\nuniversity.<\/p>\n
Parman, 40, is a driver of public minivan that travels the
\nroute from Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta to Tanah Abang,
\nCentral Jakarta. He lives in a rented house in Kampung Baru
\ndistrict, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I do not really care about the quality of the schools that my
\nchildren go to. The most important thing is that they can
\ncontinue their studies, at least up to high school.<\/p>\n
Frankly speaking, it is hard for me to afford the monthly
\nschool fees.<\/p>\n
I have three children -- one in junior high school and two in
\nelementary school. I must spend at least Rp 250,000 per month for
\ntheir education.<\/p>\n
I heard that the city administration is providing free
\neducation for poor families. But, why can't I enjoy that
\nfacility?<\/p>\n
If the government has really subsidized school fees for
\nelementary and junior high school, it will ease my burden. I will
\nnot have this headache ... I can spend more to buy nutritious
\nfood for my children.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/only-the-rich-can-go-to-school-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }