Global challenges to RI education

Global challenges to RI education

From Suara Karya

Indonesia is facing a major problem in education, with its
high dropout rate, widespread cases of damaged schools and,
reportedly, millions of illiterate children.

This gloomy picture is worsened by corruption in the education
sector and illegal enrolment fees charged by state schools, so
that only those children from the high income bracket can enjoy
proper schooling.

In addition, the quality of teachers is generally low, and
the relevant authorities have made inadequate attempts to improve
the situation. Education policies have so far failed to meet the
need for quality human resources in response to the global era.

Attention should therefore be paid to human resource
development for the nation's future advancement. The 20 percent
allocation of the state budget for education and the enforcement
of a national education system is not enough as a solution.

More importantly, a commitment should be made to enhance the
quality of education through curriculum reform -- by increasing
the number of subjects beneficial to the developoment of better
living standards, particularly in the face of global competition.

SONYA VIONA
Depok, West Java