Trial Already Underway, Indonesian Pediatric Association Does Not Agree To Hold Face-to-Face Schools

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Face-to-face school trials are being implemented in a number of regions. However, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) expressed their disagreement. Because currently there are new challenges in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Looking at the situation and the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia, face-to-face schools have not been recommended at this time", said IDAI Chairman Aman B. Pulungan in a written statement, Wednesday, April 28.

Currently, the positivity rate or positive results from weekly specimen examinations is at 18.7 percent. Then, the COVID-19 death rate also increased by 29.2 percent from last week.

"One of the conditions for schools to reopen is a positivity rate below 5 percent and the COVID-19 death rate shows a declining trend", he said.

Not to mention, a new mutation of COVID-19 with type B117 was found from abroad and has infected a number of Indonesian citizens. Plus, the coverage of Indonesia's COVID-19 vaccination has not yet reached the target.

However, if the government is determined to hold face-to-face learning, Aman advises the Ministry of Education and Culture to prepare mixed learning.

"Organizers must prepare blended learning. Children and parents are given the freedom to choose online or face-to-face learning methods", said Aman.

"Given that the prediction period for the pandemic has yet to be determined, Aman also asked schools to look for new innovations in the learning process. For example, utilizing learning in open spaces such as parks and fields".