Jokowi Affirms Full Day School is not Compulsory

INDUSTRY.co.id - President Joko Widodo immediately issued a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) on strengthening character education to replace the Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation on the five-day or full day school policy.

"The Presidential Regulation has been discussed with the Minister of Education and Culture," said Joko Widodo after giving a Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) to students at SMP Negeri 7 Kabupaten Jember, East Java, Sunday (13/8/2017).

He asserted that there is no school requirement to implement full day school policy so that schools that have implemented the six-day school policy can continue.

"I need to emphasize many times, schools are not obliged to practice school five days, but if there is a school that apply full day school can be continued as long as there is no objection from all parties," he said.

While Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendi said the Presidential Regulation about strengthening character education will soon come down next week.

“Minister of Education and Culture regulation is upgraded to the Presidential Regulation with various improvements, including suggestions from various parties," he said.

He said the five-day school implementation is an option, so schools that implement the six-day school can go ahead, while schools that have implemented five days can also go ahead, as long as it does not interfere with diniyah activities. (Ant)