This morning when we, me and my wive, accompany our daughter to her school we had a little shocking new news. We were told that our children are no longer eligible to register to any state kindergarten in this country, Malaysia. We think this policy is discriminating to us. We know that we are not citizens of this country, even we are not permanent residents. But to my knowledge, most of highly educated countries will allow any foreigner to register to their public or state school. My supervisor in ITB told me a story that he got every subsidized facility just like any citizen when he studied his PhD in France.

It is a little bit annoying to know that we have to prepare to register our children to private kindergarten. We have two children now, and are waiting for the third one. Of course we need to spare some of our income. It does not mean that we can not afford to provide more expensive education for our children. But it does mean that we have to recalculate our saving from my income.

Before this news, our preparation is quite simple. Registration for kindergarten is only RM 100 each, or RM 200 for both of my children. Monthly payment is only RM 12 which includes a meal everyday. But I have to deliver and pick up my children every school day which will cost me about RM 40 - RM 60 per month.

But now, the calculation is still simple with more money goes out from our pocket :) . Each child requires RM 250 for the registration and RM 65 monthly. Fyuh, that means twice as much money than before. But it is OK, I hope the money we spend is worthy. I hope the curriculum is better and our children can enjoy their time at school.

And to my Malaysian fellow, this kind of discrimination is just adding one more not so good thing about this country. Too bad. But it is OK, not a problem to me :) . Just like any other proud Indonesian, I believe I can survive any challenge and win a victory.