VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta. Chairperson of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani has called on the government to be cautious in applying policies on face-to-face learning in schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In principle, we must prioritize the safety of students, educators, and other officers at the school, so that a balance is struck between safety aspects and students’ learning," she noted in her statement here on Friday.

Maharani drew attention to this aspect, so that the government can avert the transmission of COVID-19 in schools in the wake of school clusters arising in several areas that had already conducted face-to-face learning.

The DPR Speaker gauged that limited face-to-face learning at schools should also be based on the parents' permission, as they are aware of the student's condition.

If some parents are keen that their children continue with the distance learning method (PJJ), then the school should accommodate the request in line with the government's policy plan.

"It must be ensured that all schools and parents know and understand that children can still continue with the distance learning method if the parents want it. Make sure that information on the Education Ministry's decision is disseminated well," Maharani emphasized.

The  Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician also urged the government to immediately test the safety of vaccines for children, so that students get accorded priority for COVID-19 vaccination.

The government had earlier targeted limited face-to-face learning to commence in July 2021 after teachers and educators were administered the COVID-19 vaccine. (Antaranews)