Schools and education first

Schools and education first

From Republika

Over the past few years, a lot of school buildings have
collapsed, been demolished to make way commercial developments or
fallen into disrepair. Such conditions will adversely affect the
interest of both students and teachers in the education process.

This situation shows that the country is being left behind in
the education field, especially compared to Malaysia, which in
the past even invited Indonesian teachers to come and work in
that country. Now the reverse is true: Indonesia has to learn
from Malaysia.

In fact, education is undeniably important as it will
determine the future of the nation. Cleric AA Gym once appealed
for the wealthy give assistance for repair of neglected schools.
In my view, the rich should also help provide the equipment
needed for our schools.

So far, the well-to-do have built their own luxury schools
with very high fees, instead of helping restore schools for the
poor, let alone providing education free of charge. Only a few
fee-exempt schools can be found in Jakarta, such as the one under
the bridge in Senen, which is now also threatened with closure.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri has said that free education
for all citizens cannot yet be provided. Actually, free education
could be provided if business tycoons were concerned about the
schooling of the children of low-income families. They could also
help the middle-income bracket by providing education at reduced
cost.

S. WALUYO
Depok, West Java