Bill on national education

Bill on national education

Looking at both sides of the debate with regard to the draft bill on national education, we have come to the conclusion that it would be wiser if deliberation on the controversial bill were delayed.

The House of Representatives (DPR) passed several controversial bills into law, and later, judicial reviews were submitted to the Supreme Court. The broadcasting law is but one example of one of the controversial issues.

National education is a big issue relating to matters of principle and policy on the development of children and students. We do hope that education will be able to imbue in our children a sense of morality and the intelligence and spirit to work hard.

The nation needs a younger generation with a wider horizon, openness and proper acceptance of modernity without forgetting their roots as Indonesians.

Despite criticism, the products of the current educational system are not all bad. Many students have registered international achievements, as in mathematics and physics.

The current draft bill on national education has a controversial article that allows students at private schools to receive religious instruction from teachers of the same religion. Insofar as it relates to religion, strong reaction to the article has emerged.

We are concerned that the arguments for and against the article could tear apart the solidarity between religions that had hitherto been developing very well.

As far as we can see, the implementation of religious instruction at private schools -- based on the draft bill -- could be technically difficult.

It is clearly advisable to listen to the voice of the public more attentively for more input before a decision is made.

-- Kompas, Jakarta