Going the distance for an education

Every morning, the first part of my daily routine involves plowing through a load of enigmatic e-mails from certain undesirables named Rhonda, Samantha and Prince Kwazidupa of the ancient kingdom of sham artists.

Found among the entreaties to enhance certain shortcomings, there are tempting offers to provide a similar upgrade of my educational credentials, to finally secure that doctorate I have always wanted through doing virtually nothing.

Tempting, for sure, but just like lunches, there is no such thing as a free degree. So I diligently hit the "delete" button, as my opportunity for a Ph.D in whatever subject I choose vanishes with it.

My bachelor's degree will do nicely, thank you. It took four long years in the middle of nowhere, but the late-nighters and the nervous anticipation of dealing with unforgiving professors was worth it -- because I earned it on my own.

But the one thing the Internet diploma peddling-con artists understand is that an education is worth its weight in gold, and then some. It is the foundation for us to start our way up the corporate ladder, our foot in the door for the job of our dreams.

One generation removed from people who earned their living the hard way, I am grateful for all the sacrifices my parents made so I could have that slim leather-bound folder as my entry ticket to a better life.

That's why the TV images of public order officers laying waste to SMP 56 junior high school in South Jakarta -- at the center of a disputed land swap deal -- on the first day of Idul Fitri were so disturbing to me. Books were torn and tossed about, desks carted out in gleeful triumph, all done with blissful ignorance by the hired henchmen.

Of course, the administration has justified the move, saying the students will be given free tuition at their new schools, which, unfortunately, are a long trip across town from the present location.

So, the students will be going the distance for their educations, while the school property is designated to become a private business college, developed by a firm of business tycoon Abdul Latief.

At least we can be thankful that a towering new mall will not be gracing its premises, although that, of course, could change. Who knows, the city administration may one day include "retail therapy" under health services, and thus get the green light to take a few hospitals and convert them into health centers.

"If only some of those office buildings along Sudirman became education centers, and we had an education triangle for better human resources," quipped one colleague.

Ah, not likely: It's the money-spinning businesses, whether it's cavernous electronics goods warehouses or yet another glittering mall, that get the choice spots in our city.

I am sure Governor Sutiyoso will use his TV talk show, The Bang Yos Show, on Lativi (owned by none other than the aforesaid Abdul) to offer an explanation on why the kids have to make the move.

Unfortunately, we cannot expect any of the grinning celebrities on hand or the audience to offer a word of dissent.

But I would venture that the interests of getting an education should take priority in the capital of a country which consistently ranks at or near the bottom in regionwide surveys of the sector.

For Bang Yos, as you well know, education is not just about learning the ABCs and stuff, but also the smarts and civilities that we need in being part of that much trumpeted social contract, what we need in taking two steps forward to create a better society.

That is why we really can't blame those public order officers with their batons at hand. For, with the limited educational opportunities available to them, they probably know no better.

And I guess for the students of SMP 56, their education will have to be worth its "wait" in gold.

-- Broto Dharma