Despite daily increases of infections in Indonesia, the government expanded on Friday a school reopening policy for schools in COVID-19 yellow zones, or moderate-risk areas. The decision comes only a month after schools in green zones, or low-risk areas, were given the green light to reopen.

The Federation of Indonesian Teachers Associations (FSGI) said the change risked creating new infection clusters at schools. The group has received reports of at least 180 teachers and students from across the nation who have tested positive for the virus.

“The right to live and the right for students, teachers and parents to be healthy are still the most important things,” FSGI deputy secretary-general Satriwan Salim said on Monday.

“Children are also entitled to the right to education, but we have to remember that children who can get an education are children who are healthy and alive. Distance learning is the best option we have right now.”

The FSGI said that while it was true that there were many limitations and technical problems hindering distance learning, reopening schools was not the answer.

“The government and local administrations must first solve the problems of distance learning. There should be intense coordination across ministries, institutions and regional administrations to find the solutions. This is the key,” he added.

Popular

Mass poisonings cast doubt on free meals reforms

New data rules could unlock cross-border data flows

Malaysia must not breathe Indonesia’s governance failure