Regional Governments Have Authority to Reopen Schools

The virtual announcement of the issuance of the Joint Ministerial Decree on the Guidelines for Learning Process in the Even Semester of the 2020/2021 Academic Year amid COVID-19 Pandemic., Friday. (20/11). Image Source: YouTube of Ministry of Education and Culture

The Government has issued Joint Decree (SKB) of Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of Health, and Minister of Home Affairs on the Guidelines for Learning Process in the Even Semester of the 2020/2021 Academic Year amid COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The Government gives authority to regional governments/regional offices of Ministry of Religious Affairs/offices of Ministry of Religious Affairs for approving face-to-face learning in schools,” Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Anwar Makarim said during virtual announcement of the issuance of the Joint Decree, Friday (20/11).

Nadiem said that the policy adjustment was made based on the results of the evaluation carried out by relevant ministries and institutions as well as recommendation from regional heads, and various stakeholders in the education sector.

The recommendation stated that even though distance learning had been implemented properly, it will have a negative impact on students in the long run. Obstacles to child growth and development as well as psycho-social pressure and undetected violence against children are also considered in making the policy.

Nadiem also said that face-to-face learning permits can be issued simultaneously in one regency/city or gradually per district and/or village/sub-district.

He went on to say that policy making in the education sector must go through holistic considerations and be in line with policy making in other sectors in the region.

“Although the authority has been given, I need to emphasize that the pandemic is not over. Regional governments still have to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmission and comply with health protocols,” Nadiem said.

The Minister further said that the principle of education policy during the COVID-19 pandemic is not changed. The health and safety of students, educators, education personnel, families and communities remains a top priority.

Nadiem also said that even though the regional governments has full authority, the face-to-face learning policy was still carried out in stages, starting from granting of permits by the regional governments/regional offices of Ministry of Religious Affairs/offices of Ministry of Religious Affairs, fulfilling the requirements by education units, and preparation to carry out face-to-face learning.

“Students whose parents do not approve face-to-face learning can continue home learning,” the Minister said. (Public Relations of Ministry of Education and Culture/UN) (RI/LW)