Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – The Malang City Government (Pemkot) continues to implement 100 percent face-to-face learning (PTM), despite an increase in positive Covid-19 cases in recent times, including the discovery of a case at a school. However, schools are required to comply with strict health protocols (prokes).
Responding to the findings of cases at the school, the Head of the Malang City Education and Culture Office, Suwarjana, SE., MM, said that PTM will continue to be held in schools. "It just so happens that the school is not under our authority. If it happens in our area, we will only close that school, not close all of them. It's a shame for the children and parents who are happy to have face-to-face meetings. The mayor also wants this face-to-face meeting to be held," explained Suwarjana when met in his office, Thursday (20/1/2022).
Suwarjana said that the policy of implementing 100 percent PTM in Malang City is not only based on the Joint Decree (SKB) of the Four Ministers. But it is also supported by the public's enthusiasm for holding face-to-face schools. "Every time we ask in the field, it turns out that children prefer PTM. Because they can understand better and can meet their friends and teachers. Likewise, parents who sometimes find it difficult to teach and have to work, prefer their children to go to face-to-face school," he said.
The Malang City Education and Culture Office has been implementing 100 percent PTM since January 10, 2022 and has conducted routine evaluations at the elementary school (SD) and junior high school (SMP) levels. "We conduct evaluations every weekend or precisely on Saturdays. The nature of the evaluation is a report from the school regarding the number of face-to-face participants, how many did not participate, what the reasons were, then whether or not there were positive cases of Covid-19. Alhamdulillah, for those handled by the Malang City Education and Culture Office, such as elementary schools, public and private junior high schools, as well as kindergartens and PAUDs, they are still safe," he said.
The Education and Culture Office also collaborates with the Malang City Health Office to ensure that school residents are in good health. Students aged 12 years and above have received 100 percent of the primary vaccination. Meanwhile, 6 percent of those aged 11-80 years have received the first dose of the vaccine. In addition, random antigen swab tests were also carried out, namely 20-25 percent for students and all teachers/non-teachers.
"I hope parents do not feel anxious about the implementation of this PTM. However, they must continue to maintain health protocols and follow the policies that have been set by the school during the PTM," he concluded. (ari/ram)
