The Face-To-Face Learning Program Should Not Be Forced, The Province With The Highest COVID-19 Cases Must Postpone It

Illustration-face-to-face learning (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission X Himmatul Aliyah hopes that the limited face-to-face learning (PTM) trial will be temporarily suspended for the provinces with the highest addition of COVID-19 cases.

Bearing in mind, the COVID-19 Task Force data shows that the addition of COVID-19 cases on Monday, June 21, was the highest during the COVID-19 pandemic with the highest distribution occurring in the provinces of DKI Jakarta, Central Java, West Java, East Java, DI Yogyakarta, Banten, North Sumatra, Riau Islands, East Kalimantan, and Riau.

"I hope that the regional governments in these provinces will review the implementation of the limited PTM which is planned to be held in the new school year in July 2021", said Himmatul, Wednesday, June 22.

According to the legislator for the DKI Jakarta electoral district, forcing the implementation of limited PTM during a spike in COVID-19 cases could threaten the health and safety of teachers and students.

In fact, she said, the provisions in the four ministerial decree regarding guidelines for the implementation of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic state that the learning process during COVID-19 must prioritize the health and safety of education unit residents.

Meanwhile, Himmatul continued, regions in Indonesia where there are no additional cases (green zones) can organize limited PTM.

However, the Gerindra politician said, given the ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases, local governments must consider the level of risk of spreading COVID-19 in their area when deciding to organize a limited PTM.

"If the development shows a high level of risk, then the local government must postpone the implementation of a limited PTM", she said.

Himmatul also hopes that parents can be patient with the delay in the implementation of the limited PTM considering that this is the best choice to maintain the health and safety of students.

"I hope parents can continue to play a role in accompanying their children during distance learning", she said.

Himmatul added that the trial and implementation of limited PTM could be carried out again after a decrease in COVID-19 cases and vaccinations for teachers had been completed so that the implementation of limited PTM was deemed safe for teachers and students.