Educate to close gap

Educate to close gap

From Media Indonesia

Many comments have been made about the intentions of the
conglomerates to narrow the social gap between the rich and the
poor. While I welcome their good intentions, I do have some
challenges for the conglomerates to consider.

Try to imagine Indonesia in ten years with 10 thousand
economists (PhD holders) and another 10 thousand PhD holders in
technical fields. Conglomerates should provide grants for locals
to study at national universities. After graduating they can be
sent to the provinces to help others while paying back their
grants.

At least Rp 60 million would be necessary for each candidate.
Around 2000 could be sent abroad yearly, for a period of study of
three years.

At least 100 conglomerates and 25 state companies could be
involved in the program. And each sponsor would share the cost of
approximately Rp 3 billion each.

Some conglomerates have helped the country by establishing
schools, but most are business oriented.

To realize a new education program, the following institutions
should be involved: Department of Education and Culture, National
Development Planning Board, Finance Department, Agency for the
Study and Application of Technology, NGOs etc. It is essential
that this program be professionally managed by an independent
body.

ANDI SAHRANDI

Ciputat, West Java