Education and Culture in Development.

Overview & Synopsis

The report reviews educational development in Indonesia. The Ministry of Education and Culture is continuing systematic attempts at educational reform in accordance with national objectives and reports that it has made significant improvement since the beginning of formal educational planning in 1969. Reasons given by the government for this progress include efficiency, frequent assessment of educational needs and programs, and pedagogical cooperation with other nations. In order to combat problems of widespread illiteracy, rapid population growth, and financial limitations, the Ministry is developing educational strategies. In an attempt to provide the most rational direction for education on all levels from primary through university, and including vocational, adult, and non-formal programs, the government has encouraged primary school building construction, teacher education, curriculum development, scholarships, mass media educational activities, and community education projects. Relevance of education to individual students, and compatability of educational objectives with Indonesian national culture and technological development are major problems to be solved before an educational infrastructure can be finalized. (Author/DB)