Dedi Mulyadi's Study Tour Ban Excessively, DPR Highlights Lack Of Policy Dialogue

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi at the Bogor Anniversary event in Bogor Regency, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 (doc the Bogor Regency Government)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, Then Hadrian Irfani responded to the polemic of the policy of banning study tour activities by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi. According to him, study tour activities should still be carried out as long as they meet the three main requirements, namely having educational value, not burdening parents, and providing real benefits for students.

"During the study tour for educational purposes, go ahead with a note that it does not burden parents. And the output for students is really for educational purposes," said Lalu Hadrian Irfani to reporters, Monday, July 28.

Then assessed that the study tour was not just a student's walk, but a contextual learning tool that was able to enrich students' experiences outside the classroom.

"Activities like this can complement the thematic learning method, strengthen character, to cultural and historical literacy," he said.

However, the head of the DPR's education commission also reminded that the study tour must be adjusted to the economic conditions of parents and should not be a commercialization event.

He also suggested that schools coordinate with committees and education offices in planning activities, as well as formulating clear indicators.

"Schools need to design a study tour program in a transparent and participatory manner, involving school committees and education offices in the planning process," said the legislator from the NTB electoral district.

"In addition, it is necessary to prepare measurable indicators of success, so that the benefits of these activities can be accounted for education and administratively," he added.

Regarding differences of opinion by a number of regional heads in West Java, Lalu encouraged all policy makers, both at the central, provincial and regional levels to prioritize the principles of collaboration and open communication in formulating education policies.

Moreover, said Lalu, the education sector is a strategic sector that directly touches the lives of the family and the future of the nation.

"Commission X DPR RI is ready to facilitate an open dialogue between the West Java Provincial Government and district/city regional heads to find a productive middle ground and side with students," he concluded.

As is known, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi issued Circular Letter Number 45/PK.03.03/KESRA to ban student tour activities. So far, the study tour has been held as a travel activity specifically designed for educational purposes.

Dedi's decision was not fully implemented by a number of local governments at the Regent and Mayor levels due to differences of opinion. Even 3 regional heads in West Java clearly still allow study tours.

Like the Mayor of Bandung, Muhamad Farhan, who did not prohibit student tour activities in schools as long as they were not related to academic assessments. The same thing was conveyed by the Mayor of Cirebon, Effendi Edo, who allowed study tours as long as there were rules and strict supervision.

Then the Regent of Bandung, Dadang Supriatna also emphasized that as long as the study tour activities get parental approval and have educational value, it should not be prohibited.