Home Affairs Minister Asks School Activities In Natuna To Continue

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian (doc. Ministry of Home Affairs)

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian requested that teaching and learning activities in Natuna Regency, Riau Islands continue as usual. Once the government was observing hundreds of Indonesian citizens who had just returned from Wuhan, China due to the corona virus outbreak.

The matter of Tito Karnavian was stated in the telegram numbered T4422.3 / 666 / OTDA for the Natuna Regent and Plt. Governor of Riau Islands. In this telegram, it was stated that the local government policy of Natuna Regency to suspend teaching and learning activities would be a hindrance.

"In this regard, the regent asked to immediately revoke the circular and continue to carry out the process of teaching and learning activities throughout the school," said one of the telegram points made on Monday, February 3.

The circular referred to by this telegram is Circular Number: 800 / DISDIK / 46/2020 signed by Natuna Regional Secretary Wan Siswandi on behalf of the Natuna Regent on Sunday, February 2 and distributed in several schools.

Based on the circular, the teaching and learning activities were closed for two weeks, starting from February 3 to February 17. In addition to closing school activities, the letter also appealed to students not to do activities outside the home so as not to be affected by the corona virus.

Returning to the telegram issue, the Director General of Regional Autonomy at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Akmal Malik, confirmed that his party had just issued the order and had been followed up in Natuna.

"The direction of the Minister of Home Affairs must move quickly," said Akmal to reporters when confirmed.

Holidays canceled

Carrying out the direction of the Minister of Home Affairs via telegram, the Natuna Regional Government then issued a Circular Number: 800 / DISDIK / 47/2020 to cancel the previous letter.

"Following up on the telegram of the Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Cq. Director General of Regional Autonomy Number: T.4422.3 / 666 / OTDA, regarding the request for the revocation of the Circular Letter dated February 3, 2020. We hereby revoke the Circular of the Regional Secretary Number: 800 / DISDIK / 46 / 2020 regarding the policy of dismissing schools, "wrote a circular signed by the Natuna Regional Secretary, Wan Siswandi on behalf of the Natuna Regent.

Because the previous letter has been revoked, the teaching and learning process on Tuesday, February 4 will run normally.

Previously reported, the government has repatriated hundreds of Indonesian citizens (WNI) from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, related to the corona virus attack.

Hundreds of these people arrived on Sunday, February 2 at Hang Nadiem Airport, Batam. Furthermore, they were flown to Raden Sajak Airbase in Natuna, Riau Islands to undergo a series of medicals for two weeks.

However, a number of Natuna residents have refused to use the area where they live as an observation location for the corona virus. As a result, residents held demonstrations by means of giving speeches and burning tires.

The TNI-Polri also intervened to reduce the rejection by providing an explanation of the corona virus observation process. The Natuna people are asked not to worry and be affected by provocative issues if the corona virus will spread.