Religious education

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