Serious attention to education needed

Serious attention to education needed JP/7/let

Attention to education needed

From Suara Karya

With a population of roughly 220 million, Indonesia has about 18.7 million illiterate people and a high rate of school dropouts due to soaring educational costs. Meanwhile, a large number of school buildings are in disrepair.

Unfortunately, the gloomy state of the education sector has not received proper attention from the government. In fact, improving human resources is the best way for the country to move toward a better future.

The solution sought by the House of Representatives by setting aside 20 percent of the budget for education is extremely simplistic, while the amount of this proposed allocation is not that large and hasn't even secured government approval yet.

This is the reason why education in the country is increasingly expensive and a growing number of citizens fail to pursue higher levels of study. The situation is worsened by corruption and illegal fees, even at state schools, which effectively shut the poor out of education.

Therefore, we need to motivate foundations and organizations engaged in education to assist those who cannot afford school fees by providing scholarships for students at all levels and textbooks in all subjects.

ANDI SYAMSUDDIN ASHAR Bulukumba, South Sulawesi