Why are private

Why are private schools marginalized?

From Kompas

The Jakarta administration lacks concern about condition of private schools. This is evident from the fact that during the last two academic years the administration did not grant subsidies to the private elementary and junior high schools. On the other hand, starting from January 2006, it will provide an additional grant for state elementary schools of Rp 50,000 per pupil per month and for junior high schools, Rp 41.600 per pupil per month.

It should be noted that the Ministry of National Education has granted subsidies -- funded from the city by the cut in the fuel subsidy -- to state as well as private schools. So why does the Jakarta administration differentiate between state and private schools. Doesn't it aspire to produce quality human resources in this province?

The Jakarta administration must not forget that in the past, when it still lacked the capacity -- in terms of finances -- to build schools in this very province. The authorities demanded that the private sector help the administration to establish privately run educational institutions wherever possible.

Now that it has become a well-established province and has been able to set up a great number of schools, the authorities concerned should reflect on their policies again, particularly because the school communities in general are experiencing financial difficulties under the present circumstances.

EDY GUNAWAN Jakarta