There is no intention of belittling the Indonesian language with the original heading being in English, but simply affirming it as a catching title of this note.
“Think global, act local” or “think globally, act locally,” a phrase used in diverse variations, including in education, accommodates a message: education policy has to be global while and at the same time consider local characteristics.
The message is increasingly imperative for a diversified Indonesia. An article entitled “Walking for the Future” on Page 1 of Kompas on May 1, 2017, is relevant in the context of “think global, act local.” Natasia Astria Wakano, 18, a student of state senior high school SMAN 1 Nusalaut, Maluku, for three years has walked from her house to school and home every day, covering 26 kilometers.
There are equally or even more miserable examples, with many dangers, not to mention inadequate school facilities. The most basic facilities need attention, such as school buildings, many of which are dilapidated or have even collapsed. Not only are their locations far from the capital city, some are only several kilometers outside Jakarta. The derivation of the meaning of bureaucracy or ruling from behind the table does not mean the affair is finished with the banging of a gavel; not only are the principle processes being passed, but they open up the possibility of exceptions. General principles open the door to special principles in accordance with regional peculiarities.
The necessity is frequently overlooked. There is a national policy with national outcomes and targets, up to how to achieve them. In fact, with the condition of Indonesia with multiplicity in all respects, diversity is part of our identity and local aspects are inevitable. Our literacy numbers, high literacy, or high school enrollment rates are calculated on average nationally and applicable globally.
We appreciate the equalization as a theme choice by the Education and Culture Ministry to celebrate National Education Day on May 2 (date of birth of Ki Hadjar Dewantara) this year. At the decision-making level, the theme sparked the hope of seeing the issue of education being not Javanese centric, let alone Jakarta centric. The way of thinking needs to be deconstructed, a policy and a decision must be placed as something open.
Cura personalis or personal assistance also applies in terms of policies that take into account local aspects. Humanization is not just a utopian utterance, but becomes guidance for decision-makers in the field of education with regard to pluralism as a historical fact of Indonesia.