'It's stupid to buy diploma'

As the legal proceedings over an unlicensed educational institution go on, implicating many leading figures who have obtained diplomas from the institution, The Jakarta Post interviewed residents about the issue.

Rizky KD Ntoma, 24, works at a foreign embassy on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in South Jakarta. She lives in Bintaro, South Jakarta:

That's really stupid; both those who offer the diplomas for money and those who think that they can buy diplomas. It simply reflects how poor the mentality is of some Indonesian people who want instant results without working hard.

I do agree with a recent ad depicting people buying diplomas as monkeys. People should think a thousand times if necessary before trying to buy diplomas.

The government has to tackle this issue immediately and heavily sanction those involved. In addition, the government should start thinking hard to make education much less expensive so that many people could have more access to education.

Isnu, 30, works with a non-governmental organization in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta:

I think the case simply shows that education has turned into a commodity and educational institutions into profit-oriented enterprises. Educators have failed to maintain their main vision to promote knowledge and science to build a better future for the people. Instead, schools are competing to make money. No wonder the rich think that they can buy diplomas as those diplomas are often required to gain a position in the bureaucracy.

We also witness the mushrooming of informal educational institutions here and there. That shows that people have no confidence in the government to provide the best education for the people.

I think the government should join hands with the people to seek a common vision of education and improve the education system in the country comprehensively.

--The Jakarta Post