Education, Health Tops President Yudhoyono's Agenda

Jakarta (Antara) - Education and health sectors have continued to top President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono government's priorities while implementing policies and programs, stressed the president. "Education is the most appropriate way to eradicate poverty, to boost the middle class, and to build a modern Indonesia in the 21st century," Yudhoyono noted in his state-of-the-nation address on Friday. The president delivered his annual address during a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) in conjunction with the 69th anniversary of Indonesian independence. Yudhoyono expressed gratitude that education funds had reached more than 20 percent of the state budget. However, he pointed out that the budget surplus does not automatically guarantee the success of education. "The most important thing is access to education and that education quality should be guaranteed at all levels," he remarked. In a bid to support the education of children from impoverished families, the government has launched an innovative program of Bidikmisi scholarship that provides free tuition fees, plus stipend worth around Rp 600 thousand per month. "As of now, more than 220 thousand students are eligible for the Bidikmisi scholarship program, and they have mostly made impressive academic and non-academic achievements," he stated. (*)