BRIN Evaluates School Holiday Discussion During Ramadan for All Families
In Jakarta, the debate over school holidays during Ramadan continues to spark discussions. Some argue that school breaks during Ramadan allow children to focus more on worship and religious activities, while others disagree. Trina Fizzanty, the Head of the Center for Education Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), believes that not all families have the ability to provide full education to their children if schools are closed during Ramadan.
Trina expressed concerns about the lack of programs in society that could offer education on religion, social issues, and beyond. She emphasized the challenges parents face in educating their children at home, drawing parallels to the difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when guiding children through distance learning.
Challenges of Home Education During Ramadan
Trina highlighted the various challenges associated with educating children at home, suggesting that maintaining a productive learning environment during Ramadan should not be a problem. While she acknowledged the importance of spiritual learning during Ramadan, Trina stressed the need to balance cognitive education with spiritual growth. She recommended increasing the focus on spiritual education during Ramadan to ensure that children’s cognitive needs are met.
Government Considerations and Public Input
Minister of Education for Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, disclosed that the decision regarding school holidays during Ramadan would be deliberated by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Various proposals have been put forward, including full school closures, partial breaks on specific dates, or no holidays at all during Ramadan. Mu’ti emphasized the importance of monitoring public input and considering community suggestions as part of the democratic decision-making process.
In conclusion, the ongoing debate surrounding school holidays during Ramadan reflects a broader conversation about balancing educational needs with religious observance. As discussions continue, it is essential to consider the diverse perspectives and challenges faced by families in providing holistic education to children during this sacred month.
