Ban On Accepting New Students, DPR Asks Government To Solve School Problems In Conservation Areas

Illustration of teaching and learning activities in schools (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, MY Esti Wijayati highlighted the issue of 4 schools in the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) area, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province, which are prohibited from accepting new students by the Forest Area Control Task Force (PKH Task Force).

Esti asked the government to solve the problem because it was feared that it would hamper access to education for children in the region.

"This issue must be resolved properly and prioritizes the interests of students," said Esti, Monday, July 7.

The head of the education commission reminded that any policies taken by the Government and related institutions should not make children victims.

"Don't let children lose their right to education just because of administrative issues or conservation area policies," he said.

To note, the termination of educational activities is the aftermath of controlling more than 81 thousand hectares of land in TNTN. In addition to 4 schools being prohibited from accepting new students, the policy has also caused 3 Elementary Schools (SD) to stop their learning activities.

Esti said that the process of learning and accepting new students should still be carried out. If indeed the policy of self-relocation in the conservation area is the final decision, according to him, the process of moving children's schools can be regulated later.

"Rehabilitation of conservation areas is important, but policies must be comprehensive and think about the needs of all parties, including schools. Children must not lose their right to education which is a constitutional mandate," said Esti.

Esti also urged the Government to immediately prepare alternatives to accommodate children from the surrounding area who would continue their education so that they would not be cut off from school level.

"The state is obliged to guarantee access to education for all citizens without exception, including those living in conservation areas," said the legislator from the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) electoral district.

"This is the task of the Government to ensure that the next generation gets a decent education from the State. We ask for collaboration between the central and regional governments to provide solutions so that children in the TNTN area can continue to receive education in schools," added Esti.