Jakarta, InfoPublik - The government has issued Guidelines for the Implementation of Learning during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic which is contained in a Joint Decree (SKB) of the Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri), Minister of Health (Menkes), and Minister of Religion (Minister of Religion).
Through the Decree of the Four Ministers, the government encourages the acceleration of limited face-to-face learning (PTM) while maintaining strict health protocols. This is also in line with the acceleration of vaccination implementation by the government.
Starting this September, most schools in Indonesia have implemented Face-to-face Learning (PTM), as the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has slowed. Limited PTM is permitted, for areas with PPKM level 2 and 3 status, including the Java-Bali area.
Although it is mandatory to take place with strict health protocols, in fact PTM still causes anxiety for parents. On the one hand, it is recognized that distance learning makes the quality of children's education decline. But on the other hand, physical interaction during PTM is feared to be a medium of transmission of COVID-19 in the school environment.
This dilemmatic situation has prompted Makuku Family as a leading mother and child brand that cares deeply about the health and development of Indonesian children to hold a webinar with the theme "Facing Face-to-face Schools, Are Parents Ready?", Tuesday (28/9/2021).
The CEO of Makuku Family, Mr. Jason Lee said that this webinar was needed to help parents be better prepared for face-to-face schooling, especially from a health perspective.
“We want to share with everyone about health information. Especially how do we reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19 during PTM," said Lee.
This discussion featured influencer Zee Zee Shahab, a mother of two who is currently also facing face-to-face school. Also present was a consultant pediatrician from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas M.Ked (Ped). Sp.A and Brand Representative of Makuku Family, Chairunissa.
The first speaker, Zee Zee Shahab, admitted that distance learning which lasted almost two years was not an ideal method.
“My first child is 8 years old, entering elementary school in grade 1 during the pandemic. He didn't even know the names of his classmates. Now he likes to make things easy. If I can't, I just google it or just call mommy," said Zee Zee.
Although studying at home has many weaknesses, it does not mean that Zee Zee is ready to let her child go back to school. "Honestly, I'm not ready for the consequences. For now online school is better. I'm one of those parents who are a bit overthinking, so far I haven't given permission. Middle or high school children may already understand health protocols, how to socialize during a pandemic. But it's not time for elementary school, because when you meet friends, the euphoria is different. You can immediately take off your mask and forget to keep your distance," he added.
Consultant pediatrician from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas is also aware that the home study method causes stress, not only for children but also for parents. But to hold PTM now, dr. Andreas saw it as a hasty policy.
"The government's PTM decision was taken after seeing positive cases and the death rate had dropped. But keep in mind that vaccination coverage for children aged 12-18 years in Indonesia has not reached 80 percent. The problem is that the availability of PCR test facilities in the regions is not as numerous as in Jabodetabek. We have to be careful too,” said Dr. Andreas.
Another factor to consider is school readiness. “Schools are required to maintain progress, and their readiness is not just a matter of sinks or classrooms. But the mental readiness of teachers to deal with children who are chaotic and do not follow health protocols. Is the teacher ready?" asked dr. Andres.
It is also important to make sure all school facilities and infrastructure are ready for emergency conditions, for example when suddenly a child has a fever at school.
"On the part of parents, they must also ensure that their children always comply with health protocols. How to wear the mask, it must really be taught, not just telling," he added.
As a tip, when PTM is effective, parents must know the symptoms of corona virus infection in children.
“Covid-19 cases in children are often not immediately caught like adults. Mild symptoms such as suddenly weak, even the fever is not too high. This is something that needs to be considered when face to face later," he concluded.
In closing, Makuku Family Brand Representative Chairunissa alias Icha said, regardless of whether parents allow their children to participate in PTM or not, a healthy lifestyle must be a priority, especially during a pandemic.
“One of them brought his own eating and drinking utensils. Don't share tools with other people," Icha ordered.
Related to that, Makuku Family has a variety of products from various brands that were selected with a strict selection process, from various countries such as South Korea, Japan
