Pushing For Limited PTM Acceleration In Schools, Minister Of Communication And Information Considers Prolonged Online Learning Has Bad Risks

JAKARTA - The Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Jhonny G Plate encourages each region that implements PPKM Level 3, 2, and 1 to immediately implement face-to-face learning (PTM) in schools.

Because, Jhonny considers the implementation of distance learning (PJJ) online for a prolonged period of time has a bad risk.

"The limited PTM needs to be accelerated because the implementation of prolonged PJJ risks having a negative impact on children," said Jhonny in a written statement, Sunday, September 5.

Jhonny considers that PJJ is not optimal, making students in economically weak families forced to work in the midst of an economic crisis and leave their learning activities.

Then, Jhonny considers there is a psychosocial risk or individual condition including psychological and social aspects in children. These risks include an increase in violence against children at home, the risk of early marriage, exploitation of children, especially girls, and teenage pregnancy.

"Children can also experience feelings of depression, because they don't play and meet with their friends for a long time," said Jhonny.

Therefore, Jhonny said limited PTM could avoid the threat of students dropping out of school. In addition, learning in class is also considered to result in better academic achievement when compared to PJJ.

"Differences in access, the quality of material obtained by students, as well as the facilities they have, can result in gaps in learning achievement, especially for children who have socio-economic limitations," he explained.

However, Jhonny emphasized that the learning process must follow the regulations and policies set by the central government, in accordance with the implementation of PPKM based on the COVID-19 Situation Assessment.

"The situation in handling the pandemic continues to show an improving trend, especially in Java and Bali. Therefore, the government does not want to delay any further to accelerate the opening of the limited PTM process in areas that have implemented PPKM Level 1, 2, and 3 in stages, of course, by implementing strict health protocol discipline," said Jhonny.