The “full-day school” concept is based on character education as stipulated in the Nawacita, with the objective to instill values such as hard work, independence and patriotism, the minister said.

“This is merely an idea. We will arrange the system more comprehensively, and by the time it is done, we will inform the people,” Muhadjir told journalists, adding that he was open to input from experts as well as the public.

In adding more informal subjects to the school curriculum, the government also needs to consider schools’ facilities to ensure that subjects are taught properly.

Sinta Tri Setiani, an elementary school teacher in Kampung Bali, Central Jakarta, said it would be hard to implement the full-day concept at the public school she taught at because of inadequate human resources and infrastructure.

She said the school only had nine teachers — seven to teach general subjects and two others for sports and religion.

“If the informal subjects, such as reading the Quran, are to be considered at this school, we need an additional teacher to deliver them. We also need a more adequate prayer room. The prayer room here is very small to accommodate all of our students,” Sinta told The Jakarta Post. (vny/bbn)

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