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