Compulsory education

Compulsory education

From Kompas

When President Soeharto declared that 1994 was the year of Compulsory Education, I believed that a wider opportunity for education would await our community. And as a consequence of the government's policy on education, the school fees would not be too burdensome. But in reality, this is not the case.

I registered my child at the Senior High School in Kebon Singkong, Klender, East Jakarta. Each parent was summoned by the teacher and briefed about what and how much was to be paid. In addition to payment for school uniforms, educational contribution, and contribution to the Parents and Teachers Association, parents are obliged to pay for the following programs: (1) monthly contribution, Rp 14,000, until graduation, (2) yearly contribution, Rp 40,000, and (3) voluntary contribution, Rp 100,000.

The parents have no chance to discuss the amount of the contribution which is determined for minimum payment. The term "voluntary" does not seem to apply in this system. Surprisingly, the parents were required to make a statement to the effect that they are capable of fulfilling the financial obligation.

Is it not a joke that a parent who earns only Rp 200,000 a month must contribute so much?

With this system being applied by the school, I feel as if my child is studying in a non-government school. Even some private schools ask less than that. Is this policy in compliance with the government's intention to provide education for all?

Name and address

withheld