Minister Of Education And Culture Nadiem Frees School Principals To Arrange Allocation Of BOS Funds

Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Makarim (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Education and Culture, Nadiem Makarim, stated that the principal has the authority to regulate the allocation of school operational assistance (BOS) funds, according to school needs.

"BOS funds are 100 percent for the principal's discretion," said Nadiem Makarim during a dialogue with school principals who are members of the MKKS, which took place at the SMKN 8 Palu yard, reported by Antara, Wednesday, November 4.

Nadiem explained that this was done by the Central Government through the Ministry of Education and Culture for several basic reasons, including so that schools could meet their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic related to the obstacles faced by schools in the learning process.

This was done, he said, because the Central Government, including the Ministry of Education and Culture, did not know carefully the needs of every student in all schools.

"How can we give the same specific ceiling to school principals, even though schools in all regions and regions face different problems and challenges and needs," he continued.

Nadiem emphasized that the problems and challenges as well as needs faced by each school in each region are very different.

For this reason, it is irrational for the specific ceiling of BOS funds to be equalized from one region to another, especially regarding BOS funds.

"Therefore we initiate independent learning. We apply this, so the principal is independent in determining what is best for students, teachers and schools," he said.

To teachers and school principals, Nadiem emphasized that next year the BOS funds will not experience a reduction, but the calculation will change.

He explained that for small schools, where the number of students is small and for schools in remote areas, where the price for goods and distribution is very high, the BOS value is increased.

"So, the BOS funds which are calculated only benefit large schools, in cities now it is no longer like that," he said.

He emphasized that the calculation or calculation of BOS funds per student for students in schools in disadvantaged, remote or 3T areas and students in schools in cities, should no longer be equated.

"We need affirmation, we have to be pro towards the areas that need it the most," he stressed.

That way, said Nadiem, small schools in remote, underdeveloped areas or 3T in the future starting in 2021 the BOS funds will increase.

"So those who need it the most must get," he stressed.