For Educators, ‘Blended’ Learning is Likely Next Term
“What’s next for schools?” That was the question explored during AmCham Indonesia’s latest Education Forum, held via Zoom on May 7.
Totok Soefijanto, Senior Policy Advisor in the Jakarta Governor’s Office, and senior leaders from four international schools in Jakarta discussed the prospects for blended and in-person learning, reaching the consensus that the wellbeing of students and teachers is the top priority, and that correct use of technology is crucial as schools look at a hybrid of online and in-school learning for the next term.
Totok told the 80 or so participants that in dealing with the new education reality we should be more adventurous and sophisticated in the use of technology, but that should not place increased workloads on teachers as they juggle virtual and in-person classes. Student well-being remains the key goal of learning.
Tarek Razik, Head of School, Jakarta Intercultural School; Shawn Hutchinson, Head of School, ACG School Jakarta; David Butcher, Principal, British School Jakarta; and Manish Semwal Kumar, Academic Specialist, Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School all spoke of the challenges they faced during the pandemic. But they were all optimistically looking ahead, agreeing it was time to adapt and improve education, with technology a major factor.
It was also agreed that in terms of student wellbeing and development, it was vital to get children back in the classroom, socially interacting again after such a long period of isolation. But only when it is safe to do so, adhering to government regulations and following strict health protocols.
Jokowi Outlines Roles for New Ministries
President Joko Widodo has issued Presidential Regulation 31/2021 on the duties and functions of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology and the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
Article 1 of the regulation outlines two obligations for the merged Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology: to lead the implementation of government affairs in education and culture and to lead the implementation of government affairs in the field of science and technology. Article 2 says the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board will be in charge of the administration of the implementation of government duties in the investment sector.
All existing position holders, along with officials at both ministries, will continue to carry out their duties until a new presidential regulation is issued on their organization and work procedures.
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PRESIDENTIAL REGULATION NO. 31 OF 2021
Public Idul Fitri Prayers Allowed in Green and Yellow Zones Only
People living in red and orange zones should conduct Idul Fitri prayers at home, while those living in yellow and green zones can do so in mosques/fields, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs Circular No. 07/2021, which regulates 2021 Idul Fitri prayers. The colors correspond to the number of Covid-19 cases in given areas, with red being the highest risk.
Prayers in mosques/fields must adhere to strict health protocols, with a maximum 50 percent capacity; wearing a mask is mandatory and the maximum duration of sermons is 20 minutes. Idul Fitri prayer organizers must coordinate with local governments, the Covid-19 Task Force, and local security officials prior to ceremonies.
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Foreign Exchange Reserves Increase
Indonesia had foreign exchange reserves of $138.8 billion at the end of April 2021, up from $137.1 billion at the end of March. The figure is equivalent to financing 10 months of imports or 9.6 months of both imports and government external debt and is above the international standard of around three months of imports.
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Consumers Optimistic on Economy: BI
Consumer confidence in the Indonesian economy is rising, according to April’s Bank Indonesia Consumer Confidence Index (IKK) of 101.5, which entered the optimistic zone (> 100), from 93.4 in March. This is the first optimistic index since the IKK entered the pessimistic zone in April 2020. The increase in consumer optimism is driven by improving consumer expectations of future economic conditions, especially in terms of job availability, increased business activity, and increased income over the next six months.
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Jakarta Receives 2,703 Permits Applications for Mudik Period Travel
The Jakarta provincial government has received 2,703 applications for the Entry/Exit Permit (SIKM) as of May 9, which is a requirement to travel during the mudik homecoming restriction period. Some 1,079 applications were approved, 1,447 rejected, and 177 were still being assessed. The Investment and Integrated One-Stop Services Agency (DPMPTSP) in Jakarta will assess SIKM applications from 08.00-17.00 on weekdays, and 10.00-16.00 on weekends.
Those without permits are not allowed to travel. It is not known how many people may have traveled early or may be evading checkpoints.
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Support Independent Journalism: Subscribe to The Jakarta Post
In these difficult times, our hometown English language newspaper, The Jakarta Post, is more important than ever. Given the difficulties of physical circulation and the economic slump, the Post needs to boost its online subscribers – a goal we heartily support at AmCham Indonesia. Quality English language news is vital for our businesses, our home offices, and the flow of information out of Indonesia. It is for this reason, that we are urging all of our members and readers to subscribe to JP! Information is what will help get us through this crisis. Below is information about how to sign up.
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Now is the Time to Join AmCham!
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We offer a full slate of meetings, events, and information for our community online. But we can only do this through the support of our members. If you are not yet an AmCham member, please join now.
AmCham Indonesia is open to all companies with an interest in US business relations and we have many non-American members. We are a community and we welcome you!
Reach us at [email protected] or click below!
AmCham Office and Events
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The AmCham Office is on work from home status and all face-to-face meetings and events have been postponed. We are having a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform. You will be notified of virtual meetings as they are scheduled.
What is Your Company Doing on COVID-19?
Please let us know what measures your company may be taking in the form of donations and other assistance to help Indonesia during this time of confusion and concern. Contact [email protected] with your news. We would like to publicize the ways that our AmCham companies are pitching in.
Stay well
We urge you to send us press releases and other information that we can pass on to the broader AmCham community. If you have items of interest, please email material to [email protected]. Follow this link to information provided by the US Embassy
Stay safe, call a doctor if you have a high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Stay healthy above all else.
AmCham Update is AmCham's regular newsletter on developments related to the pandemic crisis and other issues in Indonesia. It is edited by AmCham Managing Director A Lin Neumann and written by the AmCham Staff. Paul L Goddard is the Managing Editor
