School funds used for 'umroh' trips

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

The Tangerang regency council will summon the principal of state high school No. 1 in Pamulang district over reports the school budget was used to finance minor pilgrimages, or umroh, for several teachers and school staff.

"We have scheduled a hearing this week to seek clarification from the school principal over the use of the school budget," Eni Suhaeni, deputy speaker of the council's Commission B for education, said on Tuesday.

The councillor, a member of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, said Dedi Rafidi would be asked to explain whether the school budget was used to finance the trips to Mecca with the approval of parents.

"If parents did not consent to the use of the funds for this purpose, then we can definitely say the principal misused the funds. The question then is whether this falls into the category of criminal behavior.

"It would have been better if the money had been used to purchase educational equipment for the students," Eni said.

Dedi reportedly used money from the school budget to finance umroh for three teachers last year, and another three teachers and the school's security guard this year.

M. Fachrulrozi of the Golkar Party faction said that after the hearing with Dedi, several councillors would visit the school and meet with parents.

"Going on the umroh is personal business. It is completely wrong to use the school budget for this purpose. We do not think parents should pay for the personal travel of teachers," he said.

Dedi refused to comment on the case, only saying he would attend the hearing with the councillors later this week.