"We hope the minister will complete plans for a free education system from elementary to grade 12 in the secondary schools," Asep Komar Hidayat, the head of the Culture and Education Services of Lebak, said here on Saturday.
As an elementary and secondary education minister, Baswedan has the right to complete the free education program, he said.
So far, the Lebak District has not been able to provide free education because of various factors, such as poverty, culture and geographical concerns, Asep said.
He noted that even the Rough Education Participation Level (APK) in secondary education in Lebak District is still below the national level of 60 percent.
Therefore, he expressed hope that the minister will issue a policy on the 12 year free education system by freeing students from paying tuition and costs at schools.
Further, the minister should issued a policy on sanctions for parents who do not send their children to school.
"We are convinced that all children in Indonesia will be able to finish their 12 year education from elementary (SD), lower secondary (SMP) to upper secondary schools (SMA) if these polices are adopted and implemented," he said.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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