Parents object to POMG levy

BEKASI: The parents of students of Cendrawasih Jaya state elementary school in Duren Jaya, East Bekasi, refused to pay a levy of Rp 10,000 for the teachers' Idul Fitri allowance.

Asep, one of the parents, said that he had received a letter from the school's POMG (union of parents and teachers) that informed him about the levy on the parents of the school's students.

"I objected to paying such a levy as the teachers have already been given an Idul Fitri allowance by the government institution concerned," said Asep, adding that he did not object, however, if other parents were willing to pay it.

He said that most of the parents had mentioned current economic hardship as their reason not to pay the levy.

Safrudin, a member of Bekasi City Council's Commission E dealing with education, public welfare and health, told Antara last week that such a levy was not right as it could tarnish the teachers' image.

He asked the POMG to review the levy so as to ensure nothing untoward happened.--JP