'Stop coercion, compromise; better to compromise'
The city administration has reported state middle school SMP 56 teachers to the police for supposedly teaching without a license. Although the land swap deal involving the school and a property developer has been controversial from the start, no amicable solution is in sight. The Jakarta Post asked some residents how they felt about the issue.
Emmy NM, 32, is a florist. She lives in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta:
The Ministry of National Education should take the blame. I think that some unscrupulous officials gained financially from the deal and, therefore, insisted that it was not annulled.
I deplore the city administration's reaction. Why should it report the teachers to the police? Surely it is good that someone is still concerned about the children's education? It's so silly when others, who are supposed to provide better national education, are not punished for failing to do their jobs.
I admire those students who insisted upon attending classes, even when the school gate was locked by police and public order officers. They didn't mind studying under the scorching sun, or heavy rain.
They demonstrated integrity and strong will, which is rare nowadays.
I hope that all parties involved in the dispute realize that they are jeopardizing the welfare of the next generation, by trading education for the short-term benefits of a business deal.
Arsyad, 27, is a computer technician for a private company in Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He lives with his parents in Bekasi, east of Jakarta:
I can't understand why the city administration didn't listen to the students.
They students have explained their reasons for wanting to stay. Some refused to move to the new location in Jeruk Purut area because it is too far for them. Others prefer the old school grounds because they feel comfortable there. Their reasons may sound trivial, but at least the children understand their rights.
If the city administration really wanted them to go, then the students should have been asked directly what they wanted in return. If distance was really the issue, school buses could have provided. Stop using coercive measures, just compromise.
--The Jakarta Post