Vocational Schools Allowed To Practicum In Schools, KPAI Asked The Government To Fund All Teachers' Swabs

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JAKARTA - Commissioner for the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) for Education, Retno Listyarti asked the government to pay for the COVID-19 swab test for teachers after the Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) Nadiem Makarim allowed face-to-face practicum at vocational high schools (SMK).

"KPAI encourages local governments to oblige swab tests for all vocational high school teachers who will carry out PTM at the expense of the local government," said Retno in a written statement, Tuesday, November 10.

There are several reasons Retno asked the government to provide swab facilities to SMK teachers. First, the Minister of Education and Culture allows vocational practicum learning in all COVID-19 risk zones, from green, yellow, orange, to red zones.

In addition, based on KPAI's supervision in several SMKs, KPAI found many weaknesses in sterilizing equipment in practice places such as workshops and laboratories.

Furthermore, the findings of KPAI also show that standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory / workshop use and changing usage have not been prepared by schools.

"Even if it is, the SOP has not been posted in the room nor has it been socialized to students and their parents, including the SOP for students who come to school by public transportation," said Retno.

Thus, Retno assessed that the school participated in conducting practicum simulations related to the willingness of SOPs and being obeyed by all school members.

"Schools are also required to make a schedule, so that each student will have the opportunity to practice at least once every 2-3 weeks, considering the number of students must be limited so that they can keep their distance," he concluded.