"Starting this year, schools are allowed to collect funds from the public, such as donors and graduates, especially those who have been successful, such as ministers," Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy stated.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Starting this year, schools are allowed to raise funds from the public, Indonesian Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy stated.
"Starting this year, schools are allowed to collect funds from the public, such as donors and graduates, especially those who have been successful, such as ministers," Effendy remarked here on Thursday.
Effendy explained that it is an opportunity for the graduates to donate money to the schools where they received education, especially for sponsoring students who cannot afford school fees.
Meanwhile, funds collected from the public will be used to advance the operational activities of the schools.
"If the schools rely solely on the School Operational Assistance provided by the government, they will not be able to move forward," he affirmed.
The minister noted that fund raising is not classified as illegal levies.
"The Ministry of Education and Culture has already issued a regulation allowing schools to raise funds from members of the community, though by not compelling them to donate, in order to financially strengthen schools in the spirit of mutual cooperation," he stated.
He noted that the ministry had been seeking consultation on fundraising with Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto.
"It does not matter as long as the fundraising activity is conducted officially without violating the law for the development of schools," he affirmed.
Schools had been earlier banned from conducting fund-raising activities, as the funds were often misused. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
