Jakarta is today starting a trial reopening of 85 schools ahead of a nationwide resumption of face-to-face learning in July.
The Jakarta Education Board said the 85 schools, comprising primary, junior high school, and high schools throughout the capital’s six municipalities are conducting the trial until April 29. Teachers and staff at the chosen schools have been fully inoculated against COVID-19.
Children in grade 3 and below are not taking part in the trial. Older kids who are taking part will attend classes on a rolling schedule in order to observe a 50 percent capacity at each school.
The trial is not mandatory for students at the selected schools.
“Parents are fully entitled to decide whether they want their children to partake in face-to-face learning or continue schooling from home,” Jakarta Education Board Head Nahdiana said.
Jakarta Vice Governor Ahmad Riza “Ariza” Patria said success of the trial may open the road for more widespread reopening of schools in the capital in the near future.
Conversely, the plan to reopen schools may be evaluated should the trial lead to new COVID-19 outbreaks.
Nationally, the Indonesian government is targeting schools across the country to partially reopen by the time the new academic year commences in July, pending the success of a vaccination program for some 5 million teachers and school staff.
