Entering School, Nadiem: Face-to-face Learning Is Limited, Not Normal

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JAKARTA - Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Anwar Makarim said, limited Face-to-face Learning (PTM) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is not the same as face-to-face schools as in normal situations.

“What the President said last Monday, June 7, it is true that the learning that we are trying together is limited face-to-face. Again, limited," he said in a written statement in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 9.

Previously, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, gave an example of good practice in implementing limited PTM, where the education unit can manage one class with only 25 percent of the total students, teaching and learning activities are only two hours, and one week only two meetings.

“For example, as stated by the President. Schools that have or are in the process of conducting limited PTM with different learning durations and number of students are still allowed as long as they follow the health protocol and are below the maximum limit stated in the Joint Decree (SKB) of the Four Ministers concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic Period. he added.

He added that there was no change in the SKB. The SKB spells out the maximum rules. Schools can implement limited PTM little by little.

As many as 30 percent of education units have conducted limited PTM according to their respective situations and conditions. Some have just started limited PTM in the last few months, some have been doing limited PTM since last year.

"Just like teachers, parents, and students who I have heard directly complaining about doing distance learning, the President also expressed his concern," he explained.

The President said that distance learning in reality makes it difficult for children, parents, and teachers.

"He said, we must have the courage to encourage limited PTM which of course is accompanied by the implementation of very strict health protocols," said Nadiem.

Previously, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) had published Guidelines for the Implementation of Learning for Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Secondary Education (PAUD Dikdasmen) during the COVID-19 Pandemic which could help smooth the implementation of limited PTM. The guide can be downloaded on the joint facingkorona.kemdikbud.go.id page or spab.kemdikbud.go.id.