Wrath Of Parents Blocking The Gate Of SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari Affects Children Not Passing Selection, Regional Secretary Nathaniel Intervenes

WEST PAPUA - Regional Secretary (Sekda) of West Papua Province Nathaniel Mandacan facilitated a meeting between residents and administrators of SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari at the West Papua Governor's Office in Manokwari City today.

Residents feel disappointed because their child did not pass the selection of new student admissions at this school.

The meeting was held after a number of residents on Monday blocked the gates of SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari because their children were not accepted as students of the flagship school.

In a meeting between residents and school administrators, Nataniel Mandacan gave an understanding to parents that private schools are not inferior to public schools.

"Don't underestimate private schools, I also graduated from a private school," he said at the location as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, June 28.

He also promised to submit the proposals of the parents to the West Papua Education Office.

A number of parents suggested that SMA Negeri 1 and SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari conduct lessons in the morning and afternoon in order to accept more students.

"About the aspirations expressed by the parents, we will discuss with the relevant agencies. But we need to consider the condition of the school, the number of teachers, the capacity of the school, and so on," said Mandacan.

The head of SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari, Adrianus Hara, said that SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari has set a new student admission quota of 288 people and that quota has been fulfilled.

"Registration is closed because we have met the quota of 288 people," said Hara.

He said the school could not accept more new students with the capacity of the classrooms and teachers currently available.

"Do we have to put up a tent in the field, then where should we add teachers? Meanwhile, the ratio of teachers and students in high school is already unbalanced," said Hara.

Currently, SMA Negeri 2 Manokwari only has 39 permanent teachers.