'Report bad schools' to govt

JAKARTA (JP): A deputy governor called yesterday on parents, whose children attend state junior or senior high schools here to report illegal charges or fees that are set higher than the maximum official rate.

Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani told media the complaints could be addressed to the specially designed PO Box 0008, Jakarta 10900, following which a team would conduct a thorough investigation into the reports.

"We'll take stiff measures against the guilty officials," Djailani promised.

He was commenting on reports that some city state schools are overcharging students for their registration fees, entrance fees (also called donations for the schools' buildings), tuition fees, and the BP3 compulsory contributions.

BP3 contributions are collected annually by the schools under the auspices of parents. The money is used for, among other things, teacher's welfare, student activities, school parks and libraries.

The administration for the upcoming 1998/99 school year started yesterday and lasts through Saturday.

The Jakarta's regional office of the Ministry of Education and Culture recently circulated a notice to all state schools in the capital on the maximum level for BP3 contributions.

According to the notice, the maximum BP3 contribution is Rp 33,500 (US$2.33) for junior high school students and Rp 38,500 for senior high school students.

The decision was made based on a recommendation from Governor Sutiyoso to the office on June 25.

There are 282 state junior high schools and 115 senior high schools in Jakarta. (bsr/ida)