In a discussion on the development of education in Indonesia, Sampoerna Foundation held discussion forum which included invitees from the media and education observers, Mochtar Buchori and Ahmad Rizali. Mr. Buchori and Mr. Rizali were invited  to speak and share their insight on how education in Indonesia has evolved from the early years of 1908 through to 2008. The discussion forum took place at the premises of the Sampoerna Foundation on Wednesday (30/4).

During the discussion, Mochtar Buchori explained that 1908 marked the beginning of the revival of education in Indonesia. His statement is based on the historical fact that on that particular year education was for the first time handed to a group of intellectuals who were liberal and progressive in their position. Their movement started with the establishment of an organization called Boedi Oetomo, which means  “noble conduct”.

The founding of Boedi Oetomo, according to Mr. Buchori, was the result of a long and exhaustive process, since the Dutch colonial government implemented a policy in 1870 to send Indonesian youth to the Netherlands to study at universities in the country known especially for its windmills. “For the first time it was proven that the education quality improvement process necessitates a long-term investment to achieve the desired results, which is why education reform should be initiated now if we want to see change.” said Mr. Buchori.

The education reform he was referring to is one in which asks how the quality of education can be raised while instilling important values in students, whose numbers will increase with each year, while at the same time increasing access to education for all of Indonesia.

Ahmad Rizali stressed that invovlement from all segments of society is of vital importance in education reform, “Education reform is the responsibility of everyone in this nation and not simply to be left to the government,” added Ahmad Rizali.

In light of these observations, Sampoerna Foundation will embrace the commemoration of Indonesia’s 100 years of National Awakening by mounting the “National Education Awakening Parade” on the South West entrance of the National Monument (Monas) grounds on 18 May 2008. The objective of the parade is to encourage the public to support the message that all stakeholders of Indonesia’s education  must join the cause of improving the quality of education in Indonesia.