Minahasa regency ahead of others in education

Hyginus Hardoyo, The Jakarta Post, Tondano | Mon, 05/05/2008 11:25 AM 

Amid worsening education standards in the country, Minahasa is continuing to show support by offering free education to elementary and high school students. It is one of only a few regencies in the country that do so. 

Minahasa Regent S. Vreeke Runtu said the provision of free education was intended to regain the good old days that pioneers like Sam Ratulangi, Maria Walanda Maramis to Lambertus Nicodemus Palar brought to the regency.

The pioneers had taken part in the establishment of the republic. They helped promote the name of Minahasa both at the national and even international level. 

However, the Minahasa reputation is quickly waning as the regency sees fewer major achievements. 

"We want to regain our name. The key is education," said Vreeke, who was installed by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Sarundayang as regent in March after being reelected for a second term. 

"Education is vital to help boost economic development in Minahasa regency, which has so far relied heavily on agriculture," the regent said. 

Vreeke said free education, provided for students of both state and privately-run schools, was introduced to the Minahasa regency three years ago. 

In line with the provision of free education, Vreeke has also relieved residents of all costs for health services at community health centers. 

To support such a policy, the regent administration earmarked up to Rp 32 billion (US$3.55 million) for education and health services out of a total budget of Rp 492 billion this year, Vreeke said. 

Locally generated incomes reached only Rp 16 billion in 2007 and is projected to increase to Rp 18 billion this year, he said. 

The policy may seem unimportant to wealthier regencies like Musi Banyuasin and Kutai Kartanegara, which have abundant oil resources, and Jembrana, which profits from tourism. But it means something for a poor regency like Minahasa and its residents. 

Vreeke has also provided scholarships to 20 Minahasa students to pursue their doctorate degrees overseas, including France, Germany, Britain, Canada, Australia and Japan.  

"Each student is allocated Rp 300 million for their tuition without having to return the funds," Vreeke said. 

"I'm convinced that when the students finish their education, they will not forget their homeland, wherever they work and live," he said. 

"Before their departure, I asked them to accept my invitation after finishing their tuition to help me with the regency. 

"All I need is their ideas on how to boost development in this regency. Just imagine 20 experts from various disciplines in a meeting to discuss a number of ways to improve of the regency." 

Vreeke is confident his decision to spend on education will bear fruit in the future. 

"It's possible I won't be able to realize my goals, but this is mostly for the sake of future generations," he said. 

In addition, Vreeke introduced a favorable program providing funding assistance of up to Rp 1 million for the families of every Minahasa resident who passes away. 

The provision, given to both the rich and poor, is intended to help family members of the deceased, he said. The program was initially intended only for poor people, but since it was difficult to set criteria, it is given to all Minahasa people. 

Vreeke's policy has apparently pleased local residents, who in turn did not hesitate to reelect him as the new regent, despite aggressive campaigning involving money and other promises by rival parties.