the Jakarta Post Thu, 01/05/2012 11
In the education sector, we have to admit that many students receive various awards in international academic contests such as math, physics and the like but we can see that in general the quality of education is still poor or below international standards.
"International" curricula in schools and so-called world class universities breach the principles of the Constitution by not providing a decent education for all.
Commercialization of education is rampant from primary up to university level. The reluctance of the government to support the financing of education allows commercialization to happen.
In the law enforcement field we still have the judicial mafia and this phenomenon prompted the President to set up a special taskforce. However, until now we have not seen any shock therapies to deter those involved in mafia practices. Information and testimony from whistleblowers are neglected.
The fight against graft is still hanging in the balance and is not finished yet. It seems to have slowed down. The public has witnessed the Bank Century bailout case, the suspiciously large bank accounts belonging to police generals and the graft cases implicating Muhammad Nazaruddin and many public figures and politicians.
In the economic sector there is growth but our neighbors seem to move faster in alleviating poverty. China, Thailand and Vietnam have succeeded in reducing poverty significantly. China cut poverty rates from 31 percent to 6 percent, while Vietnam from 51 percent to 3 percent.
In addition, unemployment in Indonesia stands at 8.5 percent, trailing far behind Thailand whose unemployment rate ranges from 1 to 2 percent and Malaysia's 3.4 percent.
It is a pity that a natural resources-rich country like Indonesia is not yet a developed country. Its people experience a hard life and many social problems, but the elites are very wealthy and prosperous.
Have a look at the salaries and luxurious facilities for the Bank Indonesia governor, Cabinet ministers, members of the House of Representatives and other high-ranking officials.
Due to our low competitive advantages as evidenced by the poor quality of human resources and our inability to master science and technology, protectionist policies are a must. For educated people who are "neo-liberal" minded of course market mechanisms always serve as a reference.
In fact, here in Indonesia there are still many that need the government's protection from a market that only benefits people who have capital and power.
Aries Musnandar
PPs UIN Malang



















