In-Person Learning Continues in Jakarta as Case Numbers Climb

TheIndonesia.id - The central government of Indonesia has ruled that in-person learning will continue at schools in Jakarta despite the worrying surge of COVID-19 cases.

Jakarta provincial government said it will obey the decision made by central government to continue conducting in-person learning with only 50 percent of occupancy allowed – an adjustment from the previous 100 percent.

“The decision regarding the matter is taken by central government, and we will adhere to it,” Jakarta deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria said on Thursday, February 3, as reported by Antara.

He added that the decision will take effect on Friday, February 4.

Patria also said that Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan had actually made a request to the central government to allow schools to return to online learning for at least one month, considering the recent development of COVID-19 in Jakarta.

However, it was ultimately not approved.

“In the end, it was decided to [continue with] 50 percent [capacity]. Our suggestion was considered and deliberated, and everything was decided through discussion,” the deputy governor explained.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology previously allowed regions on Level 1 and 2 of community activities restrictions, or PPKM, to adjust their in-person learning policy based on current COVID-19 situation in respective region.

COVID-19 case surge continues in Indonesia with 27,197 daily confirmed cases reported on Thursday.

President Joko Widodo said the spike has been predicted as he ensured the public that the government is prepared to deal with the situation.

“This surge has been estimated and anticipated by the government through our preparation that is much better compared to the previous years,” Widodo said on Thursday.

He also asked Indonesians to remain calm and reminded public to get their vaccine.