Solo (Suara Pembaruan: 10/10/06) Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party Agung Laksono expressed disappointment over the low education allocation which has not reached 20% of the State Annual Budget as ruled by the Constitution.

"(We are) disappointed because the education allocation is still very small. It is against what we have agreed in a consultation meeting between the leaders of the House of Representatives and the president," he said, after he visited Golkar’s regional chapter’s office in Solo on Sunday (09/10) evening.

He said that the education allocation in the 2007 state budget is only 10.3 %, much lower than 20% as ruled by the Constitution. The low education allocation will incite new lawsuits. The government will have to face more litigation. That’s the problem. (Our) Disappointment is because we fear that the government will have to face more lawsuits.
 
Education Allocation

An agreement has been reached during the consultation meeting that the government should abide by the Constitutional Court’s (MK) ruling to allocate at least 20% of the state annual budget for education. This is ruled by the Constitution. To avoid any political implication, this decision should be respected, he said.

"The Constitutional Court (MK) has said previously that our State Budget was legally flawed, it violates the Constitution. Nevertheless, the education allocation in the 2007 still has not reached 20 %. Still far below the figure," he asserted. Fulfilling the 20% allocation is very important because Indonesia has to prioritize developing human resources.

“We are in the opinion that Indonesian human resources quality development should be our first priority, as it will enable us to improve our condition and to catch up with our neighboring countries," he said. The same with health sector, “There is no stipulation (concerning health spending) in the Constitution; however, during the interpellation concerning malnutrition, Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare said the government will increase health budget. But until now, it (health allocation) is still less than 3%," he stated.

Commenting on the low education budget, members of Golkar Parliamentary Faction (FPG), Yuddy Chrisnandi and Slamet Effendi, said they are ready to lodge a note of protest. “I ask Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party to replace Golkar’s politician in the budget commission who refuse to fight for the (increase in) education allocation.” Yuddy said.