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)