Finally got to read your article, Jakartass - first on the online edition - and now here.
I take it your are an educator of sorts? I agree, Sir, that too much emphasis these days on "standardized and robotic" methods fo schooling with little room to nurture creativity. I have schoolgoing children of my own, and sometimes to the chagrin of interested parties - their grandparents, my friends - I opt to go easy on them. Meaning, no unnecessary "extra" tuition classes, so in the late afternoons they might be free to roam the neighborhood, playing football or hang around the Taman.
Alas, my gift of freedom to them isn't fully appreciated. They choose instead to plonk in front of the PC or Playstation console. This is another global trend, whether good or bad remains to be seen. But being In Indonesia, I often have to call my wife back home to "force" the kids out of the house.
At least the boys, on occasions, do settle down to read. It gives me no greater joy as a parent to see my kids curled up somewhere with a book. Of course, the teenaged one has just finished Miss Rowling's latest.
In Balikpapan, sadly, there are no English books or magazines sold in the sole Gramedia store in town. This does not bode well for Indonesian students who live outside Jakarta. Where do they get their material from? Surely just not from textbooks?
It appears that any efforts must come from the community themselves. Forget the politicians who, in your words, are more interested in the "business" aspect of it.
An excellent, well thought-out article, Sir.
BTW, did you receive my email sent to your fullproofservices address?
(Yes, I did, Mat ~ thanks. For a change I'm rather busy at present, but will drop you a line as soon as ... J)
Best always,
Sama aja
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