TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) confirmed it has not yet recommended face-to-face learning in schools. “Reviewing the situation and Covid-19 spread in Indonesia, on-site learning at schools is not yet recommended,” said IDAI chairman Aman B Pulungan in a statement, Wednesday, April 28.

Aman explained that the appeal was based on the IDAI’s study results on children’s rights according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989, and Presidential Decree No. 36/1990, as well as in considerations of the national Covid-19 trend, the findings of new virus variants, and Covid-19 vaccination program that has not reached the target yet.

IDAI underlined that schools are allowed to reopen when the local transmission is already under control which is indicated by the positivity rate of less than five percent and the fatality rate is declined.

If the school management insists on conducting on-site studies, they must adopt a blended learning method, a hybrid teaching method. “Children and parents are given the freedom to choose offline or online learning methods,” Aman added.

He said children who choose to undergo online and face-to-face learning must have the same rights and treatment. Aman also reminded teachers and schools to look for new innovations in the teaching and learning process given that the end of the Covid-19 pandemic has yet to be determined.

Read: Jakarta Can Reopen Schools If Covid-19 Positivity Rate Drops to 5%: Expert

FRISKI RIANA