Free education an illusion

Free education an illusion

From Kompas

The government's statement that free education will be
available for all this year remains nothing but an illusion,
because in our experience, the residents of Cimanggis, Depok,
West Java, are not getting any cost relief for our school-age
children.

In previous years, children less than six years old could
enroll at an elementary school near our homes. Though I sent two
of my children to the school, my third child, only two months
short of six, was recently turned down.

After reaching an agreement with the school's enrollment
committee, however, my child was admitted on the condition that a
development fund contribution of Rp 1 million be paid, which
would total Rp 1.357 million including uniforms and books.

Owing to my limited income and the two other children to
support, I had to cancel his enrollment and wait until the next
school year. Therefore, I would like to appeal to the authorities
to pay attention to disadvantaged children and remove unnecessary
school charges.

WIWIK GANEFWATI
Depok, West Java