As a result of the decrease in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim has yet again pushed to reopen schools. Preparations are now being taken by elementary to high schools to maximize in-class learning, especially in Jakarta and cities across Java that are implementing levels 1 to 3 of the public activity restrictions (PPKM).

However, some parents have shown concern over the hasty move, given that they have just, if at all, gotten out of the second wave of COVID-19. Some of them believe that, despite health protocols being implemented at schools, the country’s steady number of cases is not something that can be overlooked.

They have the right to be concerned. Just last week, the Association for Education and Teachers (P2G) revealed that health protocol violations were still prevalent in many schools from Bekasi to Tasikmalaya.

“These violations are not new," Satriwan Salim, P2G national coordinator, said to katadata.co.id on Sept. 4. He said students were still found gathering and riding public transportation together.

But it could be worse. The Jakarta Post has been approached by several teachers who claim that, unbeknownst to the parents of the students, their schools are barely managing to implement the health protocols.

Surface-level promise

Popular

Mixed-marriage families seek priority in dual citizenship plan

Prabowo draws flak over Iran nuclear remarks, North Korea mediation claim

Regional leaders 'anxious' over transfer cuts, revenue-share delays