'School facilities need improvement'<\/p>\n
The city administration is aiming to provide free education for
\nelementary and junior high students in the capital by 2006 and
\nfor that purpose it aims to increase school subsidies. The
\nJakarta Post asked some residents for their opinions
\non the issue.<\/p>\n
Andriana Adinegara, 30, works as a claims assistant at PT ACE
\nINA Insurance in South Jakarta. He lives in Jatibening, Bekasi:<\/p>\n
In principle, this is a good idea in order to produce bright
\nyoungsters.<\/p>\n
However, if the program is not supported by other endeavors
\naimed at poverty eradication, I don't think poor people will let
\ntheir children go to school at all, even if it's free. They would
\nrather have their children work to supplement the family's
\nincome.<\/p>\n
Another problem that might occur from providing free education
\nis the number of educated unemployed. The government would need
\nto open up more job opportunities for these people.<\/p>\n
Hendro S. Joedho, 50, is an employee of state oil and gas
\ncompany PT Pertamina who lives in Jakarta:<\/p>\n
The Jakarta administration's plan to provide free schooling
\nis, of course, something that we have all been waiting for, and
\nshould have the support of the population.<\/p>\n
Besides providing free tuition for students, what needs to be
\ntaken into consideration is also the condition of teaching and
\nlearning facilities at the school, and also the teacher's own
\nwelfare.<\/p>\n
We all know there are many schools with limited facilities. In
\nthe rainy season, school buildings flood, or the roof leaks. And
\nmany teachers are forced to supplement their income by teaching
\novertime, selling text books and even by driving ojek (motorcycle
\ntaxis).<\/p>\n
I'm optimistic that the plan will be beneficial in creating a
\nnew generation of intellectuals, which this country really needs,
\nas long as it is not used as an opportunity for new forms of
\ncorruption.<\/p>\n
I hope the administration is serious in this effort, and not
\njust making empty promises ahead of the gubernatorial election.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/school-facilities-need-improvement-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }