Free Schooling Viewed as Discriminative
Monday, 19 February, 2007 | 15:11 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Sukoharjo: Free education in the Regency of Sukoharjo is considered to be discriminative as it was only applies at state schools.

In addition, the program does not include private schools having financial problems.

In fact, according to Muh. Amin, a member of the Regional Legislative Council, funds for handling the program were sourced from people's money amounting to Rp23 billion that was allocated in the 2007 Regional State Budget.

“It has been discovered revealed that some of those who enjoyed free schooling benefits were not poor people,” said Amin yesterday (02/18).

“This policy was only included in the education agency's temporary job activities. As for next year, the government cannot guarantee it,” he said.

Amin discovered that some fund disbursements for free education were not received by schools that should have been assisted while well-financed schools did receive assistance.

However, he did not mention the evidence in detail.

“Free education is aimed at helping poor people. However, since there was no definite concept, some of the funds were obtained by parties that did not require assistance,” said Amin.

IMRON ROSYID