'School facilities need improvement'

'School facilities need improvement'

The city administration is aiming to provide free education for
elementary and junior high students in the capital by 2006 and
for that purpose it aims to increase school subsidies. The
Jakarta Post asked some residents for their opinions
on the issue.

Andriana Adinegara, 30, works as a claims assistant at PT ACE
INA Insurance in South Jakarta. He lives in Jatibening, Bekasi:

In principle, this is a good idea in order to produce bright
youngsters.

However, if the program is not supported by other endeavors
aimed at poverty eradication, I don't think poor people will let
their children go to school at all, even if it's free. They would
rather have their children work to supplement the family's
income.

Another problem that might occur from providing free education
is the number of educated unemployed. The government would need
to open up more job opportunities for these people.

Hendro S. Joedho, 50, is an employee of state oil and gas
company PT Pertamina who lives in Jakarta:

The Jakarta administration's plan to provide free schooling
is, of course, something that we have all been waiting for, and
should have the support of the population.

Besides providing free tuition for students, what needs to be
taken into consideration is also the condition of teaching and
learning facilities at the school, and also the teacher's own
welfare.

We all know there are many schools with limited facilities. In
the rainy season, school buildings flood, or the roof leaks. And
many teachers are forced to supplement their income by teaching
overtime, selling text books and even by driving ojek (motorcycle
taxis).

I'm optimistic that the plan will be beneficial in creating a
new generation of intellectuals, which this country really needs,
as long as it is not used as an opportunity for new forms of
corruption.

I hope the administration is serious in this effort, and not
just making empty promises ahead of the gubernatorial election.

-- The Jakarta Post