Religious education

From Republika

The policy for reducing the working week from six days to five is still questionable. On one side of the coin, the five day week does have advantages. With this new system, civil servants can work more efficiently and be with their families on weekends.

But what about the educational side? The five day week is going to be applied at the cost of education, particularly religious education. It is encouraging that religious education is continuously gaining more ground. This non-formal education is usually carried out in the afternoon.

The Institution of Islamic Education in Surabaya, East Java, runs a full day education program from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., allocating special time for religious education, i.e. reading and writing Arabic characters and Koran study.

At present, religious education is in great demand. Government schools allocate two hours per week for religious education. This is not enough. Also religious education plays a vital role in fighting juvenile delinquency, although good environment and harmonious family life also contribute to the success of the religious program.

MOHAMMAD ROZI

Yogyakarta