VP Inspects Limited In-School Learning in Jakarta Schools

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin inspects limited in-school learning in a number of schools in the capital Jakarta, Wednesday (08/09). (Photo by: BPMI of Vice-Presidential Secretariat)

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Wednesday (08/09) inspected limited in-school learning in several schools in the capital Jakarta following the limited reopening of schools in regions where public activity restrictions (PPKM) Level 1-3 are implemented.

The Vice President visited Tarakanita 5 Elementary School in Rawamangun, East Jakarta; Penabur Christian High School in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta; and State Vocational High School SMKN 19 Jakarta in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.

During the inspection, the Vice President reminded schools that carry out limited in-school learning to stay vigilant and disciplined in observing health protocols.

“Taking into account that the threat of COVID-19 is not over, I urge everyone in school to remain vigilant and careful by maintaining discipline in observing health protocols so that the limited in-school learning can run well and does not create a new cluster of COVID-19 transmission,” he said.

According to the Vice President, limited in-school learning is a measure to ease the impacts of online school that has been carried out during the pandemic, such as the inability of students to absorb lessons well that causes concerns of decreasing intelligence, the lack of physical meetings with students in early grades, and the rising number of dropouts.

“Vocational education is hit particularly hard by COVID-19 pandemic as students in vocational high schools cannot take internships in companies optimally. As a matter of fact, it is the most important factor for vocational education in order to equip vocational graduates with required skills and competence,” he said.

Limited in-school learning, the Vice President stated, is highly influenced by the pandemic situation in the capital city. If the situation continues to improve and PPKM intensity decreases, in-school learning limitation will be loosened. Conversely, if the situation worsens, limited in-school learning will be stopped, he added.

The Vice President also stressed that the Government puts the health and safety of students, teachers, and other school members as the top priority.

“I hope schools that carry out limited in-school learning can conduct an evaluation on a weekly basis, especially on health protocols and safety of all school members. If there is a confirmed positive case or a potential that can create a new cluster, do take a firm action immediately for the safety and comfort of all parties,” he remarked.

For the record, the Government of Special Capital Region of Jakarta has given a greenlight for limited in-school learning since 30 August 2021 and it will be evaluated periodically. As of today, 610 education units from preschools to high schools in five administrative cities and one regency in Jakarta province stand ready to carry out limited in-school learning.

This came following the issuance of Decree of Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta Number 1026 of 2021 on COVID-19 PPKM Level 3 and Decree of Head of the Education Agency of Special Capital Region of Jakarta Number 883 of 2021 on Stipulation of Education Units that Carry Out In-School Learning and Mixed Learning Stage 1 During PPKM. (BPMI of Vice-Presidential Secretariat/UN) (DH/MUR)