DKI Education Office Issues Circular Restricting Gawai in Schools, Students Asked to Focus More on Learning 

ILLUSTRATION DOK VOI

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Education Office (Disdik) has officially issued a Circular Letter (SE) Number e-0001/SE/2026 regarding the Wise Use of Gawai in the Education Unit. This policy regulates restrictions on the use of mobile devices during school hours in all educational units in Jakarta.

Through this circular, the DKI Education Office encourages the wise use of gadgets by limiting their use during school hours. The restrictions apply to all education units, with exceptions for certain learning needs and in locations determined by the school.

The Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Office, Nahdiana, said this policy aims to minimize digital distractions which are considered to have an impact on the cognitive quality and psychological tranquility of students.

"This rule is not intended as a full ban on the use of gadgets in any form, but as a form of protection from the risks that students may experience when using gadgets unwisely," said Nahdiana in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 20.

Nahdiana explained that the uncontrolled use of gadgets has the potential to trigger various risks, ranging from digital addiction, cyberbullying, to mental and physical health disorders for children. He referred to a 2023 UNICEF study which noted that 54 percent of Indonesian children had experienced bullying while using the internet.

"The risk of using gadgets unwisely can have a direct impact on the psychological, social, and physiological health of children," he said.

In the context of schools, he assessed that gadgets also contributed to the decline in learning focus and the quality of social interaction between students. Based on the study Smartphone Regulation in Schools: Indonesia's Context, as many as 53 percent of teachers reported that students were not focused during class time, while 64 percent of teachers said that students preferred using smartphones rather than interacting directly.

DKI Education also revealed the results of a survey of 70 educational units that carried out a trial of limiting gadgets in 2025. More than 60 percent of students said that limiting gadgets made them more focused while studying.

"The results of the FGD with representatives of SMP and SMA students also stated that a day without gadgets is a pleasant and humanizing experience because it allows them to see, feel, and connect with the surrounding environment," said Nahdiana.

In the circular, the DKI Education Office regulates a number of mechanisms for implementing device restrictions. While in the school environment, devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops are asked to be disabled or changed to silent mode, then stored in a place provided by the school.

To maintain communication with parents, schools are required to appoint a contact person who can be accessed during school hours. Schools are also required to provide alternative digital learning facilities for subjects that require technology.

In addition, school principals, educators, and education staff are asked to coordinate with parents or guardians of students so that the use of gadgets outside school remains positive and educational.

For schools that have previously imposed a ban on bringing mobile devices, the policy can still be implemented as long as it does not conflict with this circular.

"This policy is a form of our joint commitment to maintaining the cognitive quality of students, returning the focus of learning in the classroom, and reweaving real social interactions in the DKI Jakarta Education Unit," concluded Nahdiana.