Problem in the schools

Problem in the schools

From Media Indonesia

In 1998 the national education minister issued a decree abolishing household management sciences (PKK) at high schools and leaving the teaching of foreign languages (other than English) fully at the discretion of the high schools.

Many PKK teachers had to move to vocational schools to find work. Likewise, many foreign language teachers -- with the exception of English teachers -- had to find jobs elsewhere. Many of them failed to get employment, though, or had to teach other subjects that were not within their range of competence.

As a result, many of these teachers found it difficult to get promoted because the abolition of their subjects meant fewer teaching hours.

As for the students, they lost an opportunity to learn foreign languages other than English. Many of them had to take special courses to study these languages.

It is ridiculous to note that in some state universities, for example the Jakarta State University, there are still departments of PKK and foreign languages (other than English). When the students in these departments graduate, where will they work? Won't they only just add to the ranks of the unemployed?

At this juncture, it would be appropriate for the Teachers' Association to take a stance on this issue and for the national education ministry to review its decision on this matter.

RISMA

Jakarta