"Do not brush this aside and regard the distance learning system as good enough. Considering the deaths of three students, this means that something is not right," she cautioned, while confirming the reports in Jakarta on Monday.
Such incidents call for monitoring and evaluation of the system, she said and expressed concern over possible other victims in future due to the pressures of distance learning.
She said she understands it would be rather problematic for schools to carry out in-person learning activities as the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to slow down, which means, the options are very limited. Should distance learning be continued, improvements would be crucial going forward, she added.
"Considering that we are now entering the second phase, after the first one from March to June (2020), improvements need to be made," she affirmed.
The commission said it is yet to see any significant shifts in the implementation of distance learning in the country, despite the issuing of several policies by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Despite the guidelines on distance learning enclosed in the Ministry's Circular Letter (number 15 of 2020), the commission's research has found that there are still many schools that are struggling with their implementation.
Listyarti explained that such confusion has been noted in a number of areas, and is believed to have been caused by the lack of dissemination.
"The Education Agencies have yet to disseminate the information to schools," she said.
She said she believes there is still an issue in the ministry with regard to socializing the system amid regional offices and education level units, which has affected the implementation of distance learning.
According to reports, an elementary-level student died due to alleged parental abuse over difficulties faced during distance learning activities. The deaths of a middle-school level student in North Kalimantan's Tarakan district and a high-school student in Gowa district, South Sulawesi are also being linked to the pressures of distance learning. (INE)
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar/Aria Cindyar
Editor: Suharto
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