YOGYAKARTA – Decentralization of education as mandated in Law No. 32/2004 is a management system to implement the development of education that emphasizes on diversity. According to Law No. 32 /2004 Article 7 paragraph one (1), the regional authority includes the authority in all areas of government, except in the field of foreign policy, defense and security, justice, fiscal/monetary, and religion, as well as other authorities specifically regulated.
Other than that, all became the authority of the region, including education. The purpose of granting of authority in the implementation of regional autonomy is to improve people’s welfare, equity and justice, democratization and respect for local culture, as well as to observe the potential and diversity of the regions.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Education of the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region, Prof. Wuryadi, one thing must not be forgotten in the implementation of the autonomy of education which is not to create the attitude of self-importance. For example, one school does not want to coordinate with each other and only promotes its personal interests. "They do not care with the course of education at other institutions. This is dangerous if we do not respond to it wisely," said Wuryadi when speaking in the discussion Promoting Education for All at the Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri Cultural Center on Wednesday (8/12). This discussion is one of the series of 100% Festival of Indonesia event which was held by UGM BEM KM.
Wuryadi on the occasion also asked about the government’s policy regarding the implementation of the National Examination (UN). The government established that only students who pass the national examination can enter college. According to Wuryadi, the correlation between exam and academic achievement when studying in college is very small. "Research has been conducted at IPB and ITB. In fact, there is a big correlation between student achievements and report cards during the study," he added.
Wuryadi reminded once again that the policy was banned by the Supreme Court because it is considered as failing to meet the standard values. Nevertheless, the government up to this date decided that they will continue to implement the national examination. "The curriculum is based on competence. However, the national exam is not suitable with competency," Wuryadi added.
Meanwhile, education observer, Eko Prasetyo, on the occasion said that education is not only seen from the results, but also the processes. The knowledge gained from an education at least should have an impact in terms of historical, social implications, and social reconstruction. "If these do not happen, then surely education does not make us emotionally mature," said Eko.
Ironically, according to Eko, education gradually becomes only a ritual, for example, the orientation for new students event (OPSPEK), community service or graduation. If the government, parliament and the community do not immediately sit down together to find solutions to the implementation of populist oriented education, it is feared that pragmatism and commercialization of education will persist.