The most important thing is access to education and that education quality should be guaranteed at all levels."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Education and health sectors have continued to top President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono governments priorities while implementing policies and programs, stressed the president.
"Education is the most appropriate way to eradicate poverty, to boost the middle class, and to build a modern Indonesia in the 21st century," Yudhoyono noted in his state-of-the-nation address on Friday.
The president delivered his annual address during a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) in conjunction with the 69th anniversary of Indonesian independence.
Yudhoyono expressed gratitude that education funds had reached more than 20 percent of the state budget. However, he pointed out that the budget surplus does not automatically guarantee the success of education.
"The most important thing is access to education and that education quality should be guaranteed at all levels," he remarked.
In a bid to support the education of children from impoverished families, the government has launched an innovative program of Bidikmisi scholarship that provides free tuition fees, plus stipend worth around Rp 600 thousand per month.
"As of now, more than 220 thousand students are eligible for the Bidikmisi scholarship program, and they have mostly made impressive academic and non-academic achievements," he stated.
He pointed out that by using the allocated budget for education, his government has prepared to offer scholarships to those keen on continuing their studies at the post-graduate and doctorate level at home or abroad.
"I believe that in the next 5-10 years, there will be thousands of master and doctorate graduates, a new generation from poor families," the president remarked.
They will be the ones who break free from the shackles of poverty, uplift the dignity of their families, and raise our national flag high above.
"This proves that our children, from any background, have incredible potential as long as they are given opportunities," he stated.
In the past decade, Indonesian children have bagged 217 gold, 389 silver, and 494 bronze medals in various international Olympiads.
To increase equitable access and education quality, the government also implements affirmation programs.
High school graduates residing in the eastern regions of Indonesia, such as Papua and West Papua and border areas, have the opportunity to continue further studies at the best universities in Indonesia.
"I can say that the most beautiful scenery in Indonesia is not only high mountains, dense, lush forests, and our blue seas. The most beautiful scenery is when we see our children walking to school every morning in clean uniforms and full of joy," Yudhoyono stressed.
Since 2010, through the program of National Movement of School Building Rehabilitation, nearly 300 thousand classrooms all over Indonesia have been repaired.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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