Improving faith in

Improving faith in public schools

From Koran Tempo

I would like to respond to the decree of East Jakarta mayor No. 62/2002 on the program to promote faith in and devoutness to God and the fostering of Akhlaqul Karimah (good conduct) in public schools, particularly with respect to the compulsory wearing of Muslim dress by girl students on Friday and on Islamic holidays. I support this decision because religion plays a very significant role in the shaping a person's personality.

If a Muslim has a good understanding about his or her own religion and he or she can apply this in his or her daily life, unfavorable incidents in school, such as students' brawls, can be averted.

It will be good if schools in other areas of Jakarta follow what the East Jakarta mayor has stipulated.

JUM'ATIL FAJAR

Herson, Queensland

Australia