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