Education bill

Education bill
unrealistic

From Kompas

The national education bill has caused quite a stir in
society, with the introduction of Article 13 paragraph (1)a
requiring the teaching of different religious subjects. It means
that Islam and Buddhism, for instance, are taught in Christian
schools, while Catholicism and Hinduism are included in Islamic
schools. So far, however, Islamic schools have hardly ever
received non-Muslim students.

The concern voiced by many should not be seen as prejudice.
Religion-based private schools appeal to many people of other
religions because they follow an open system, allowing the
enrollment of students of various backgrounds.

Meanwhile, religious education should be integrated and
adequate rather than a mere formality. The family and society
constitute the most dominant institution for children's religious
understanding, whereas schools should serve more to provide a
moral basis for students to nurture mutual respect in inter-
religious communications. This is the foundation of religious
education in Catholic schools.

The enforcement of such a law is therefore irrelevant and
unrealistic because the teaching of religion should be supported
by spiritual facilities like worship buildings and equipment,
besides the observance of religious holidays.

Many other more urgent education issues remain to be
addressed, such as damaged school buildings, unclear educational
principles and low teacher salaries. Prompt settlement of these
matters should first be sought, instead of changing the system of
teaching, especially in religion-based private schools that have
so far made smooth progress.

MATHILDA B.
Jakarta