After attending the meeting held in Jakarta on Monday, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that the discussion is crucial to avoid discrepancies in the Ramadan holiday dates for Islamic schools, or madrasahs, and general schools.
He noted that the government will consider suggestions from members of the public before making a final decision on the holiday schedule.
In this regard, he remarked that some people favor designating the entire Ramadan month as a holiday period, suggesting that schoolchildren participate in religious activities organized by the community during this time.
"Others propose a parallel schedule, where students are given days off starting from two or three days before Ramadan until the first four or five days of the holy month," Mu'ti explained.
He further noted that students would then resume their school activities before once again entering a holiday period several days before Eid al-Fitr.
Mu'ti also highlighted a third suggestion, which involves pupils continuing their learning activities at school as usual during the fasting month without any special days off.
"Regardless of the approach, the government will take into account people's suggestions and aspirations," he said. "Keep in mind that public involvement in decision-making is an essential part of a well-functioning democracy."
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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