Cheaper books needed to support compulsory education
Cheaper books needed to support compulsory education
JAKARTA (JP): The success of the newly launched nine-year
compulsory education plan hinges to a large extent on cheaper
book prices, education experts say.
Books in Indonesia are largely unaffordable for most people,
with one school textbook on average being used by eight students
in many areas, according to an official survey.
Most people are beginning to recognize the importance of books
and of acquiring good reading habits, but this growing awareness
has not been supported by lower book prices, Sukowaluyo, a member
of the House of Representatives (DPR) said on Saturday.
"For many people, books are still considered luxury goods,"
Sukowaluyo told a seminar on book availability and the national
education system.
Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro in his
keynote address said international surveys found a strong
correlation between literacy and access to books.
"In countries where there is high literacy, access to books is
usually easier," Wardiman said, underlining that prices and
greater selection are criteria for accessibility.
Indonesia ranks 28th out of 32 countries in terms of literacy
based on a survey by the International Association for the
Evaluation of Educational Achievement, he said, adding that
providing people with access to books remains a problem in
Indonesia.
The survey found that the ability to read is related to the
economic standing and health of the adult, the age of entering
education, the number of books in his library and the
accessibility of acquiring new books.
A survey by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 1992 also
found that students' achievements in mathematics are influenced
by ownership of the textbooks as well as their reading habits,
whether in a library or at home.
The study also found that some school textbooks presently in
use should be reviewed and developed.
Sukowaluyo, who is a member of the DPR's Commission IX dealing
with education said previous campaigns to invigorate people's
reading habits have always been hampered by the high prices of
the books. "It does not bode well for the drive to eliminate
intellectual poverty," he said.
He argued for government subsidies in the publication and
printing of science, history and other popular books.
He also proposed the establishment of more public libraries
throughout the country. (01)