Education

Education

From Republika

Since independence until our "second independence" (to borrow
a phrase by President Abdurrahman Wahid), education has been an
ongoing process in Indonesia, albeit in a foot-dragging manner.

The output of the world of education is very low compared to
that of our neighboring countries.

In my opinion there are two things that have had a share in
bringing down the level of education here:

First, the low level of welfare for teachers. The low salaries
teachers are paid is the main factor in weakening the teachers'
enthusiasm to teach. Teachers here earn less than a laundress in
Singapore.

Second, the local environment is becoming less conducive to
education. Students' parents pay increasingly less attention to
their children's education. This is perhaps due to the relatively
low education of the parents and the lack of time they have for
their children because they work.

Moreover, television and free socializing hamper education. TV
stations very rarely air educational programs. Instead they
broadcast sinetron (miniseries) during the hours students
normally do their homework. Watching TV until 9 p.m. tires
students.

I appeal to the Minister of Education to pay serious attention
to the welfare of teachers. TV programs should be revised. It
should be remembered that education is the main factor for the
creation of quality human resources.

Without the concern of the present government, our world of
education will head toward destruction.

SUPRAYITNO

Lampung, South Sumatra