City Government Set School Entry Hours In Bandung, Avoid Collision With Working Hours

Students in Sukaluyu Village, Cikadu District, Cianjur, West Java, were forced to go and go home from school to cross the river because the suspension bridge broke. (ANTARA)

JABAR - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) regulates school entry hours to reduce traffic congestion (traffic) in the morning as stated in the Bandung Mayor's Circular Number 103.

Deputy Mayor (Wawalikot) Bandung Erwin said the policy stipulates that the hours of entering elementary school/MI are at 07.30 WIB with a duration of one hour of lessons for 30 minutes, while SMP/MTs starts at 07.00 WIB with a duration of 40 minutes per hour of lessons.

"This difference is to reduce congestion in the morning, avoiding colliding when going to school with working hours," he said in Bandung, Monday, as reported by Antara.

He explained that the implementation of these rules could still be adjusted to conditions in the field.

Teachers and school principals are the ones who know the best about student conditions. Adjustments for effectiveness are still allowed, and we will continue to evaluate the impact," he said.

He also reminded students about the prohibition of bringing their own vehicles, especially for junior high school students, for safety.

In addition, the use of mobile phones is prohibited during lesson hours except for learning needs, and students are encouraged to do physical activity outside the classroom to reduce dependence on the screen.

"Our children must not only be intellectually intelligent, but also mentally strong, socially resilient, adaptive, and ready to be future leaders," he said.

His party allowed the touring study activities organized by schools, including trips outside the province during these activities, not affecting students' academic assessments.

Erwin revealed that as long as the activity was not linked to the academic assessment of students, there was no reason to prohibit it.

"We do not prohibit it as long as it is not associated with academic assessments, and prioritize the principle of helping each other between school residents," he said.