Education is expensive

Education is expensive

From Merdeka

Minister of Education Wardiman Djojonegoro's explanation of a number of collections at Ebtanas (national examinations) time, broadcast on RCTI's Buletin Malam program, was quite interesting.

His explanation boiled down to the fact that education is expensive and requires a lot of money. He also said if collections are made at school for advanced education, students are obliged to settle these fees because they form a part of the total payment package.

These collections would not have existed if parents or students had settled payment in full to begin with. But payments are rarely settled in full, which is why the payment package has been divided into installments to be paid by students during their school term.

The education minister is right. Payment in installments would not burden parents. But another question has come to light. Are these payments still justified when schools make collections for fences, tables and chairs, but the plans are never realized?

This often raises questions from parents before the examinations, especially when they have already been asked to contribute so much besides the compulsory school fees in May and June.

Education is an expensive business, which can only be justified if it is in line with the quality of education the child is receiving. It would not be right if the student was paying a lot of money and did not receive a proper education.

The ministry should pay attention to these matters and should not view the quality of education lightly. A good education and quality human resources go hand in hand.

We should pay more attention to the benefits of education to society.

JUHARSO AS

Jakarta