RI Diaspora In Houston Discusses Problem Of Education

Jakarta, March 27 (Antara) - Indonesian Diaspora in Houston discussed about problem of education of the country`s students abroad who do not find jobs that match with their capability when they return home. Indonesian consul general in Houston Al Busyra Basnur in his statement on Tuesday said many smart and excellent Indonesian students who studied abroad, but then other countries especially neighboring Indonesia, recruiting them to work and build the neighboring country. Government and private Indonesian companies have to pay more attention to Indonesian students who have completed their study abroad, he said in Second Serial of Indonesia Diaspora Discussion Forum. The discussion was held in Houston on Saturday (March 23) with the theme "Opportunities and Challenges of Education in Indonesia". Bansur said the discussion forum facilitated Indonesian Diaspora to talk, discuss and express their views on education to government and other Indonesian Diaspora communities. "In this forum, Indonesian Diaspora also received important input from government officials about current educational issues in Indonesia and abroad," he said. Haryo Winarso hosted the discussion which was attended by Education and Cultural Attache of Indonesian Embassy in Washington Sutjahjo Herry Utomo from Louisiana State University, Ward Keeler from University of Texas Austin and Laksono Adhianto, Ph.D from Rice University, Houston. Haryo Winarso explained about the latest developments and challenges facing Indonesia education now and in the future. Ward Keeler said it is important that Indonesian students leaved their home to study. "They have to get out from comfort zone in order to get new knowledge and able to face the challenges," he said. Adhianto invited students and prospective students to be more proficient to seek opportunities of scholarships. "All this is embedded in many people`s minds, study abroad is expensive. It is not always true, even study abroad can be much cheaper than in Indonesia", he said. Arround 100 people attended the discussion from prominent of Indonesian Diaspora, Indonesian students who joint Permias Houston, Austin , Fort Worth and College Station communities.