Parents complain about exam fees

BOGOR: Parents whose children attend SDN 3 state elementary school in Bogor regency have complained about a requirement that grade six students have to pay Rp 75,000 each for the final exam.

Anih, one of the parents, met the school principal to express her objection, as did many other parents. They said they could not afford the fees and asked about the subsidy from the local government.

The principal of SDN 3, Yono Suradiono, however, said that parents were required to pay the amount to enable the school to conduct the tests.

He said a student was obliged to pay Rp 60,000 for the final test in June, and another test on April 18.

Head of the administrative unit at the regency education office Eddy Junaedy told reporters that final exams at elementary, junior and high schools are all free.

"If there is a school that asks for money, please report to us and we will summon the principal," he said.--JP