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