Teachers ask for review of decree

JAKARTA: The Association of Private Teachers and the Education Council in Rembang, Central Java, have written to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to seek a review of a decree that places restrictions on who can take the recruitment test for civil servants.

The decree, recently issued by the Institute of State Personnel (BKN), states that only candidates 35 years old or younger can take the test.

The BKN said the decree was targeted at part-time workers who had served the state for at least five years in a row.

Association chairman Ishaq Masykuri said there were many part- time teachers over the age of 35 who had dedicated themselves to the regional or central government for more than five years.

Copies of the letter were sent to the House of Representatives speaker, the Regional Representatives Council speaker and members of House Commission VI for people's welfare. -- Antara