Jakarta, 04 May 2013: The Synod of the Indonesian Churches are strongly criticizing
a school reform - the controversial "Curriculum 2013" - launched by the Ministry of
Education led by Muhammad Nuh. It has already the target of teachers and students
for the controversy related to the year-end examinations. Catholic (KWI) and Protestants
(PGI) leaders have issued a joint statement in which they invite the President, Government
and Parliament to suspend its entry into force until "issues in dispute are clarified
and finalized". The draft reform in fact reveals the "private interests" of people
in power, rather than any real benefit "in terms of education" reported AsiaNews on
Saturday.
Addressing the head of state Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the leaders
of the Church in Indonesia cite the "moral obligation" that drives them to "take up
the defense of anyone who might suffer disadvantages resulting from radical changes."
This includes the curriculum, effective as of the next school year that begins in
July. There are "unclear" issues and, the Christian leaders add, "a thorough assessment
of the current study plan is needed".
Among the critical points of the Curriculum
2013 emphasizes the Synod of the Churches, the fact that even today "thousands of
teachers are not familiar with its content" just two months before it enters into
force. There is also a fierce criticism of "the essence of the educational system"
in it, which destroys the personality of students and teachers, turning them into
"obedient" subjects. Another controversial element, the fact that the teacher may
be asked to explain subjects that "are not within their competence", a fact that will
also lead to "cuts in staff." The reform of the school curriculum also involves
the exchange of textbooks, with a huge economic burden for families. It is a bone
of contention for leaders of the Catholic and Protestant churches, and something that
repeats itself at each change of administration, becoming a harbinger of shady deals
and corruption. This is why Christian leaders ask for increased and better investment
in "training" teachers, rather than in wasting money on buying new and completely
useless texts.