Jakarta Starts Back-to-school Trial Today

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta is starting the back-to-school trials today. Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria said he would open more schools if the test run, for which 85 schools are participating, is successful.

The trials will run under a blended learning method, a hybrid teaching method that mixes traditional in-class activities and from home using digital technologies.

"If this is successful, in the future we will consider expanding," Riza said at the Jakarta City Hall, Tuesday evening, April 6.

The deputy governor said the trial period will run under strict health protocols. He also said that the central government supports this trial.

The Gerindra politician appealed to parents and teachers to keep reminding students, especially elementary school children, to follow health protocols strictly. 

Riza said that parents may decline sending their kids to school, as the program is not mandatory to all students. There have been reports that parents are still concerned—reluctant to put their children in classrooms.

"As this concerns individuals' health, it is the parent's rights whether they are allowed or not," he said.

Previously, the Jakarta Education Office said that the so-called 'face-to-face school' trial was decided as teachers and administrative staff in 85 education units had received the Covid-19 vaccines.

Read: Jakarta Reopens 85 Schools after a Year of Remote Learning

Antara