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