Wary Of The Spread Of Acute Hepatitis, House Of Representatives Commission X: PTM Is OK, As Long As The Canteen Is Closed

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission X DPR RI, Hetifah Sjaifudian, highlighted the spread of acute hepatitis cases which began to cause concern in the community. Along with the start of face-to-face learning (PTM) to catch up with learning loss during COVID-19.

Until May 9, 2022, it was recorded that Indonesia had 15 cases of acute hepatitis with the majority of victims being children aged 1-6 years. This disease has spread to 5 provinces in Indonesia and claimed 5 lives.

“Of course this is a concern for all of us, especially parents whose children are starting to go to school. The aspect of prudence must be increased, but there is no need to panic," Hetifah told reporters, Friday, May 13.

Hetifah said, in general, transmission of hepatitis is through oral, not air, like COVID-19. Transmission of hepatitis is also suspected through hands, water, food, to eating utensils.

"So, PTM can still be carried out as long as the cleanliness of eating and drinking is maintained," he said.

However, Hetifah urged the Ministry of Education and Culture to take countermeasures by issuing a circular on the prevention of the hepatitis virus, especially in the school environment.

"For example, temporarily, the canteen must be closed, students are required to bring lunch, health protocols such as washing hands and wearing masks must also continue to be implemented in the school environment," said Hetifah.

On the other hand, the Golkar politician hopes that the government will also promote hepatitis vaccination. Although hepatitis vaccine is mandatory for Indonesian infants, Hetifah said, the coverage is not yet maximized.

"Therefore, I hope that the government will promote this vaccine more massively. In order to create long-term immunity," he said.

Hetifah added that the House of Representatives Commission X will immediately conduct discussions regarding the anticipation of hepatitis disease which has implications for PTM with the Ministry of Education and Research and Technology after the recess.

"The session of the DPR RI will begin on May 17. We will immediately discuss this with the Ministry of Education and Technology," he said.

Previously, KPAI Commissioner Retno Listiyati asked schools not to open canteens in the midst of the outbreak of the mysterious acute hepatitis disease.

"This needs to be done as one of the anticipations to prevent the transmission of acute hepatitis. Because once the canteen is opened, there will definitely be a crowd,” said Retno.

Based on the information he received, there were two patterns of transmission of this acute hepatitis. Namely, through the respiratory and digestive tract. Therefore, according to Retno, the closure of the school canteen is necessary to cover the potential for transmission.

"Because if the canteen is open, who guarantees that students talk to each other or take off their masks?," he said.