Rp 260b set for national exams

SURABAYA: Ministry of National Education has allocated Rp 260 billion (US$30.59 million) to subsidize students who will sit in the national final exams in May.

Education minister Abdul Malik Fajar said here on Tuesday that a subsidy from the central government would be given to schools based on the number of students. Each elementary school student would receive Rp 10,000, while junior and senior high school students would get Rp 13,500 each.

Local administrations should provide the rest of the funds needed. Because of the subsidy, schools are not allowed to ask for exam fees from students.

Since last year, the government has imposed a policy requiring students to pass a certain grade in their national exams if they want to continue their education. The national exams comprise English, Mathematics and Bahasa Indonesia, with the passing grade for this year set at 4, an increase of last year's 3. -- Antara