On overseas schooling

On overseas schooling

From Media Indonesia

Having read articles in the Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 editions of Media Indonesia, I felt saddened and at the same time I saw how ridiculous the situation was. Let's look at some simple statistics. How many Indonesians can afford to send their children abroad for their kindergarten up to secondary schooling? In terms of percentage, what percent would be considered high in comparison with the total population of Indonesia. Of those going to school abroad, how many are really devoid of nationalism and fail to understand the history of their nation?

In terms of nationalism, is there any significant difference between those going to school abroad and those going to school in Indonesia, so that one can say that those having their schooling abroad are not nationalists?

In my opinion, formal education (whether given at home or abroad) is not the only factor in the process of shaping one's behavior. There are other important factors which may affect one's nationalism, such as personal experience, parents, peers, clergymen, the print and electronic media, government apparatuses, political figures and film stars. So, going to school at home does not necessarily mean a strong sense of nationalism, especially if one's surroundings are not conducive to the process of shaping one's behavior.

As we are now entering the era of globalization, I think we must take greater care when making decisions. It is everybody's right to get their schooling any place, any time and about any subject which interests them. All will depend on their financial ability. If one is prevented financially from pursuing one's education, it will even be our common job to overcome this problem.

So, if we happen to object to some parents sending their children to study abroad at a very early age, the authority to make a decision in this respect will remain in the hands of the parents and the children concerned.

HENNY E. WIRAWAN

Jakarta