Order compelling students to watch films irks governor

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has ordered his subordinates to check out a compulsory order that makes kindergarten and elementary school students in Jakarta watch films and magic shows.

"Based on what ruling are children obliged to watch magic shows or films? The word 'compulsory' for those kind of activities is irrelevant to the students' learning process," he said over the weekend.

Djaelani, deputy governor of welfare affairs, said it was time to stop the practice of commercializing students' educational activities.

"Don't commercialize education just for the benefit of a few people," he said. "It's not ethical... to profit from schools".

Student activities must be educational and not burdensome, he said. "The education of today must be returned back to normal."

The Indonesian education system has been plagued with controversy, ranging from compulsory shoe uniformity to field trips to Sea World in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Djaelani requested all related agencies to review the content of an appeal letter issued under the recommendation of the city office of the Ministry of Education and Culture No.692/101.A1/U/ 1997, dated July 30, 1997.

The letter stipulates that kindergarten and elementary school students are obliged to watch magic shows performed by the Mardi Siswa Group at a cost of Rp 1,250 (34 U.S. cents) per student.

For watching movies, which should be educational and have historical content, students are charged Rp 1,000 each.

But instead of being educative, some films shown at schools in Koja subdistrict, North Jakarta, reportedly have obscene content. One movie shown was allegedly an adult film.

Soeparmo, head of City Council's Commission E for social welfare, said that he was strongly opposed to that kind of 'manipulative' action in education.

"Don't make excuses, saying that it is for the benefit of schools just for the sake of applying such practices," he said.

Soeparmo underlined the importance of supporting children's education.

"Don't pollute their minds with such obscene things. They are our future. Don't make them objects for commercial purposes. Let them grow with the best education this country can provide," he said.

He admitted the Ministry of Education and Culture had regulated shows.

All material of the shows must be carefully reviewed, he said, so it was suitable for the right age group and curriculum.

"But magic shows certainly are not included in the regulations category," he said. (07)