Schools rebuked for using state buildings

Schools rebuked for using state buildings

MEDAN, North Sumatra: As many as 39 private educational institutions demanded on Friday that authorities in Medan, North Sumatra province, take action against private schools that had allegedly been using state facilities.

They lodged the protest by letter to the Medan education office head, copies of which were also delivered to the local legislative council speaker and the mayor.

The letter said that a government decree prohibited private schools from using state facilities for educational activities.

Bahdin Nur Tanjung, chairman of the Private Education Consultative Body (BMPS), said the use of state school buildings by private schools violated the existing regulation.

It was also "unjust" on the part of private schools, he said.

Bahdin urged the government to investigate private institutions that built schools, but utilized state school buildings for their educational activities.

These schools should be closed if deemed fit, he said. -- JP