Arientha Primanita & Ulma Haryanto, Jakarta – Transparency on the part of the city administration is key to improving education and teaching facilities, the chief of a learning center for the poor and a researcher at a corruption watchdog said on Thursday.

Febri Hendri, a researcher for Indonesia Corruption Watch, pointed out that the city's proposal to increase funds for the education sector must be accompanied by a commitment to greater transparency.

"If the money is only used to beautify SBI [international-standard schools], for instance, then what's the use? Why are they failing to improve schools for the poor?" Hendri told the Jakarta Globe.

The city has proposed a Rp 1.13 trillion ($125 million) increase in the education budget, from Rp 5.95 trillion to Rp 7.08 trillion.

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo had said that the proposed increase would contribute toward teachers' salaries, operational funds for elementary and junior high schools, rehabilitation of elementary school buildings and an increase in learning facilities for vocational schools.

Ade Pujiati, chief of an open learning center for the poor managed by Setiabudi SMP 67 junior high school in South Jakarta, echoed Hendri when she said on Thursday that little good could come out of an increase in the education budget if the city failed to be transparent in the distribution of funds to the poor.

Her typical students, she said, were trash-pickers, former buskers and laborers.

Students at Ade's students do not pay fees. After years of lobbying and visiting different institutions, Ade is able to provide psychologists and free hospital treatment for the children, who are also taught leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

"They know that they are poor. Without working harder, they will not make it," she said.

"All of the facilities were made possible because we received money from the School Operational Aid [BOS] and Education Operational Aid [BOP] funds, unlike other learning centers," Ade said. This has made her vocal in fighting for transparency. However, her own center is facing closure because the state school that is responsible for it has refused to take in new students.

Meanwhile, on the day the Jakarta administration proposed an increased budget for the education sector, the roof of Ruhul Islamic kindergarten collapsed in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, injuring three children and panicking students and teachers.

Fadillah Dewantara, 5, and Revallino Prasetyo, 5, required multiple stitches at Mitra Keluarga International Hospital in Jatinegara for their injuries.

Witnesses told the Jakarta Globe that nearby construction work had caused asbestos and bricks to fall through the roof of the school.

The principal, Ristiani, told the Globe that the school, which has 88 students, had never been formally registered with the Jakarta Education Office.

"We have been trying to get a permit. Only when we are finally formally registered can we receive aid from the East Jakarta Education Office," Ristiani said.