Contradicting education laws

Contradicting education laws

From Kompas

Article 36, paragraph 1 of Education Law No. 2/1989 on the national education system says: "The cost of state education shall be the responsibility of the government."

Whereas article 17, paragraph 1 of Law No. 28/1990 on elementary education and article 18, paragraph 1 of Law No. 29/1990 on secondary education say among others: "Each student is responsible for the cost of education, except those who are exempted from such responsibility according existing regulations."

Private schools have no problem in implementing the laws and regulations. But state institutions face some problems. The latter laws were not referred to in the previous law which has more authority, and as a consequence, every state school is justified in collecting different contributions from students/parents, without clear definition as to how the system should be implemented.

The contributions include fees for the school board, various educational contributions, school uniforms, text books, shadow and real progress report books, re-registration, swimming fees, scout fees, Red Cross contributions, enrollment fees for higher education, library dues, exam fees, charges for farewell parties, excursion/recreation costs, laboratory expenses and what not. All these fees and contributions exist as a result of laws that contradict each another. Sanctions against misappropriation of funds are virtually nonexistent. A school board is nothing but an organ of the school system. The people's representatives keep silent. What can society do under these circumstances? One should not be surprised if by 2020, 30 percent of the population will be illiterate simply because they lack financial support.

EKA SANJAYA

Jakarta