A Talkshow on Education: A Critical Discussion upon The Education Uproar

News reporting about Ujian Nasional (UN) 2013 has ever been public concern and booming conversation for every parties. Problems faced on this case, such as unfair testbook copy distribution,sent many disgraces flooding the Ministry of Education. When people did not stop yet on yelling at the ministry, Indonesian soil in education was back shaked by an issue on the implementation of the newest curriculum, which is Kurikulum 2013. Many demonstrations expressed by college students happened due to this issue. Many parties think that the discourse of such curriculum seems to be forced and too hurried. 

To respond the shaking and swaying of education system in this country, last Thursday (5/2) strated at 07.00 p.m., coincided with a moment of Hari Pendidikan Nasional (Hardiknas), it was held a talkshow on national education. An event placed at Pendapa Tejakusuma was entitled “Kegalauan Pendidikan” which was what formed the background of apprehensive feeling upon the education condition in Indonesia.

A discussion on an event led by Septianto Hutama Putra ran warmer since it was accompanied by the front row of dean of FBS UNY. Prof. Dr. Zamzani, M. Pd. as the dean of FBS opened the first discussion by bringing a wise message that every child have to be used to implement the spiritual and emotional aspect besides the intelligence. This is due to those aspects are forgotten by many people these days.

            The investment of moral aspect on children is a crucial thing to be implemented since the early age. This thing is supported by Dr. Widyastuti Purbani, M. A.

“The root of the problematic national exam in Indonesia is honesty. Problems happened, such as sluggish distribution and bad quality of press, are caused by the central government does not trust the territories ability yet to manage such thing. Moral aspect or honesty has to be built. If it already exists, on the society, such thing will not ever be happened,” said her

.

            Education system which implements integrated thematic method is considered as a good educational method. This method has been developed since 1970s and resulted successfully in developed countries. Netherland, for instance, has used this method after passing through the process for 40 years.

 When a person learns something, it has to be suited with the behavior as well so that s/he does not only memorize the material subject. This message was uttered by Dr. Kun Setyaning Astuti, M. Pd., the Vice Dean 3 of FBS UNY, along with a sharing about her experience during her long stay there. 

Mrs. Wid, the nickname of Dr. Widyastuti Purbani, M. A. also added that the key on education is relevancy. It means that teachers should not only understand the material but also be capable to apply it.

            Drs. Sudarmaji, M. Pd. stated that Kurikulum 2013 have to be really criticized because it was composed at the beginning of this year and must be applied in the same year. In fact, many troubles emerged during the journey, such as financial problem andthe suspended agreement from the council, yet the course still has to be run. 

“Although Kurikulum 2013 is made by the experts, but still, it needs time to be really implemented,” he added.

            This agenda was attended by all student organizations in FBS UNY. They shared thoughts one another upon their apprehensive feeling about the national education system in the long run. May there comes a bright sign that could bring the glory back to Indonesian education. 

(Zidnie Ilma/EDSA Press).