Ombudsman Asks For Donations At SMPN 1 Ponorogo To Buy Cars Stopped

Contribution illustration (ANTARA)

PONOROGO - The case of developing and improving the quality of schools (SPMS) at SMPN 1 Ponorogo has attracted considerable attention, including the East Java Ombudsman. Firmly stated that fundraising in the form of donations should not be determined. The Head of the East Java Ombudsman, Agus Mustakhin, said that fundraising or donations must be carried out through committee meetings and must also not determine the nominal. If in practice the withdrawal of donations is determined in a nominal manner, then it can be interpreted as a levy. "The fundraising should not be determined at least. If the assumption from the committee and school is called a donation and even though the nominal amount has been automatically canceled," Agus said, Monday, October 2. According to him, the donation does not have a minimum limit, there is no time limit of depositing, and is not coercive. If in practice it is determined nominally, and there is a kind of coercion that does not slander the opportunity for objection, according to him, it is clear that this matter is a levy. "Without further evidence, it has been strongly indicated the existence of maladministration practices," said Agus. Moreover, this case occurred at the junior high school level. According to Agus, SD and SMP are basic education that cannot be collected or aggravating donations for students' parents. So far, education costs have also been covered by School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds.

Agus added, if there is a difference in the lack of BOS funds, it can be discussed in the school committee meeting forum. However, the committee meeting was not allowed to decide on the nominal amount and deadline for the payment of the donation in question. "We ask that the fundraising be stopped in the form of donations, essentially the levy is wrapped in donations," said Agus.