Parents' contribution

Parents' contribution

From Media Indonesia

Every time the new academic year starts, most schools take advantage of this golden opportunity to collect funds, through the parents and teachers organization (BP3). The funds are supposed to be used for building (rehabilitation), fence maintenance and the repair of school desks etc. These contributions are introduced year after year, particularly in government-owned schools.

The parents usually do not object to such a fund-raising drive, but they should not be made a major source of funding. Basically, the parents' contribution should only be made supplementary to the budget already provided by the government. No doubt, many parents could not complain about the compulsory contributions as there are still many financial problems to address. Unfortunately, parents have no choice but are forced into the lowest bargaining position.

Although the Ministry of Education and Culture did approve such a ruling, but in this case, the school management should not mishandle the funds. The government should guarantee everyone the right to get education as stipulated in law No.2, 1989 concerning national education.

It is highly regrettable if many parents cannot afford the burdensome contribution, and thus deprive their children of a proper schooling. I hope the authorities will pay due attention to this matter.

SOFWAN AM

Jakarta