Jakarta  (Media Indonesia: (16/08/07)  We cannot avoid the global competition which will crush those unprepared. Therefore, Indonesia has to develop its human resources as soon as possible to face the tight competition. As a key to create qualified human resources, education should get a serious attention. The government has introduced the 9-year compulsory education program, which means any Indonesian children should be able to go to school at least until completing junior high school (SMP). Despite the implementation of this program, parents are still facing difficulties to send their children to school.

Parents still need to pay a lot of money to send their kids to school. During school enrolment period, some state-run junior high schools have been reportedly ‘sold’ available seats. Schools are still corrupt. Moreover, there are not enough state schools for every one. Many Indonesian students are still unable to access to affordable education, especially good quality education. The 1945 Constitution and the Law no 20 / 2003 on National Education System (Sisdiknas) emphasizes on the significance of education. The laws stipulate that education spending should reach at least 20% of the State and Regional Annual Budget (APBN and APBD).

Arguing that there is not enough fund, the government asserted that it is still unable to implement the law. The government only promises to increase education budget gradually. The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) as well as some other parties have challenged the argument. They filed a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court (MK). Finally, the MK ruled that the government had to abide by the Constitution to allocate at least 20 percent expenditures for education. However, the government’s commitment seems unclear. No wonder that the people are still unable to access to affordable and good-quality education. On the contrary, many parents are now crying and complaining over the soaring education fee.

The government provides budget allocation of 11.8 percent in the 2007 State Budget or Rp44.3 trillion for education. However, it is far from enough and people are still unable to enjoy it for education. Education in Indonesia remains a luxury service. Deputy Chairman of the Education Commission of the House of Representatives (DPR) Hakam Nadja and Deputy Chairman of the House Commission X Masduki Baidlowi indicated that the government might slash down the education expenditure in 2008. Education budget would be reduced to 10% of the State budget or around Rp40.3 trillion in 2008. If this really happens, the education in Indonesia will plummet further. Even now, many parents have complained. Education is not getting more affordable, but it is getting even more expensive.