In a dialog with representatives of high school students and teachers across the province here on Saturday morning, the vice president said South Sumatra had a free education program, and that it was a kind of positive support to improving the local human resources quality.
Vice President Boediono in the dialog was accompanied by his wife Madame Herawati Boediono, National Education Minister Muhammad Nuh, Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Andi Malarangeng, and South Sulawesi Governor Alex Noerdin.
He said further that the free education program in South Sumatra was a sensible attitude in improving human resources quality of the next generation in the province.
The vice president also said that the Indonesian Scout should be reactivated in 2011 as part of the government`s efforts to build a virtuous national character in the younger generation.
"Scout activities have yet to be optimal and therefore I want the National Education Ministry in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry reactivate it starting this year," the vice president said.
Boediono said Scout activities were very important to build a sense of helping each other, love the motherland, and love nature.
"The Scout activities should be reactivated and supported by various parties, including teachers," the vice president said, adding that he had a tendency to have Scout-related education prioritized at elementary and secondary schools.
He also stressed that each school should have competent teachers to teach their students and build their national character.
Meanwhile, national education department head of South Sumatra province Ade Karyana said free education has been implemented at elementary to senior high schools.
In addition, he said the provincial government would provide outstanding students and teachers with scholarships.
(*)
Editor: AA Ariwibowo
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
