Reflections on Education for the Future

Now, when independence was more than 59 years, the issue of education in Indonesia is still facing many problems and even crash. Many education experts argued that the deterioration of the Indonesian nation today is the direct or indirect result of government policy mistakes of the New Order (1966-1998) who do not care about education, for example for the education sector only budgeted only 7% of the Budget (Budget and Expenditure State), while Malaysia and Thailand at that time already budgeted for more than 20% for his education from the state budget. This budget issue though is not the only factor, but its existence has huge implications for the progress of the nation.

After the collapse of the New Order regime, and now Indonesia is in the advanced democracies began, many problems still continue to haunt the world of education in Indonesia. As reported by Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) headquartered in Hong Kong, announced the results of its survey on the assessment of the quality of education in the Asian region which put Indonesia as the country worst their education in Asia and even one level below that of Vietnam. In addition, the quality of human resources in Indonesia are also low, as outlined in the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2004. At this time Indonesia was ranked 110 of 173 countries, the worst in Southeast Asia. Variables used in calculating HDI covers three strategic areas of development: education, health and economy.

Then, how do we mensikapi phenomena of our nation above adversity? It is difficult indeed to change the nation's problems that its population of more than 210 million inhabitants. Yet the future of our nation will face a tough challenge, concerning the life of Indonesian people nationally and in global life among the peoples of the world.

The main key to the success of education for our nation's future is how far we remain optimistic look to the future, without losing rationality us to always self-correct and improve the existing shortcomings. Glimmer of optimism has now started to appear, for example can be seen from the total education budget that will be increased to 20% of the national budget. No responsibility educational estimate increase is stipulated in the amendment of the 1945 Constitution. Although until now the realization is still not visible, but optimism for the realization of the mandate of the 1945 Constitution that must be maintained. Moreover, our nation has become a Democratic nation in the eyes of the international world (after the 2004 elections became the country's largest democracy after the U.S. and India), and this became the capital essential for the progress of a nation's identity.

Optimism alone is not enough if not followed by concrete steps. Then, what concrete steps can we do to improve the quality of our education for the future? Of course the answer is very very much, but the authors try to answer is simple. Some simple answers below can also as a reflection for both us ponder.

First, education is the responsibility of all citizens, not just the responsibility of the school. Consequently all citizens have a moral obligation to save education. So supposedly there are citizens who can not schools just because they do not have money, then the citizens of rich countries or relatively wealthy have a moral obligation to become foster parents for the continuation of school children who are not lucky. (Remember! Due to the prolonged crisis, the number of children drop out of school this year to reach tens of millions of children across Indonesia).

Second, the authors believe the paradigm which says that "education begins from family". This paradigm is important to be owned by all parents to shape the future of the human character of this nation. Family is the most environment first and foremost felt by a child, even since I was in the womb. Therefore, the enlightening education on family and child capable of forming a pious character and creative capital is important for children's success in subsequent periods.

Third, educational curriculum, teaching methodology, evaluation system and the welfare of teachers, also is the important thing to keep in repair. Problems curriculum for example can be seen from the dense curriculum or too many lessons also be a separate issue that often inhibit creativity although  student teacher. The author is actually more in agreement if the school system to apply credits (Semester Credit System), where students are given the freedom to choose a compulsory subject and any provision of choice and the minimum number of credits that must be resolved so that the stated pass a certain education level. (Especially for junior high and high school levels .) Moreover, if the credit system is combined with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), may be more to make students enjoy learning. Problems of teaching methodology also needs to be developed (this is the obligation of teachers). While the problem of evaluation systems also need to be improved, such as the National Examination problem which is still disputed. And the problem of teachers' welfare, it also needs to look at. Because, how can teachers be fun to teach while performing their welfare affairs. Or how can teachers teach not stutter and information technology, while he had no money to buy magazines, journals, new books, let alone buy a computer that can access easily to the internet!?. Therefore, the welfare of teachers should also be considered.

Fourth, to improve the quality of education for the future of assertiveness is also necessary to enforce the rules of education play a consistent and consequent. Schools often do not appreciate students who are studying seriously, the proof is a lot of students who learn baseball, lazy, its value is always red, but also to the next grade! Just 100% always the next grade. It's just means do not appreciate kids really learn. Because that would take it easy the next grade. And also at the same time do not educate children to learn to deal with risk. Therefore do not be surprised if human mental Indonesia tend to baseball dare to take risks, because the schools are not taught to deal with risk.?

Fifth, education was not only to educate children in a single category of intelligence, such as only intellectual intelligence (IQ) but also to develop other intelligence-intelligence. As spiritual intelligence (SQ), intelligence taste (EQ), and intelligence  (AQ), and so forth. Or psychologists call it a Multiple Intelligence. Therefore, one of the causes of our nation in a protracted crisis of our nation as well as poor or rather poor SQ . Therefore, the things that are spiritual as well be something important to keep on guard and developed through education. Included also formed the spirit of team work, pluralism, and optimistic needs to be developed in schools, for example, could be through extracurricular activities, student council, and religious activities. That's why since the beginning of Ki Hajar Dewantara founded Taman Siswa school also emphasizes education blossom flavor.

Sixth, begin to change them yourself. The reason for the progress of our nation's future should be able to start from ourselves. Of course, by continuing to improve the quality of self. Is not the progress of a nation can not be realized with the behavior of relaxed and lounging