Tangerang schools switch to three days of remote learning amid volcanic ash

Schools in Tangerang will move classes online for three days because volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau remains a concern.

The education authorities in Tangerang initially issued guidance for students to attend classes in person. They later changed course and ordered remote learning from Monday, Sept. 7, through Wednesday, Sept. 9, for public and private early-childhood, primary and junior high schools.

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As an initial phase, remote learning will take place for three days, through Wednesday, Sept. 9. During that period, learning will continue from home using methods suited to each school's readiness.

Wahyudi Iskandar, head of Tangerang City's education department, said the arrangement would initially last three days. Schools must continue teaching from home using materials, assignments and student support through the systems each institution already uses.

The policy reflects the government's caution, Wahyudi said. Holding classes at home will temporarily reduce student activity on school grounds while the distribution of volcanic ash remains under attention.

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With learning taking place from home, student activity around schools can be reduced temporarily while the volcanic ash remains a concern.

Supriyadi, head of Tangerang Regency's education department, also ordered remote learning during the same period. In a circular, he urged students, teachers and staff to wear masks when traveling to or from school and when carrying out activities outdoors.

School principals must ensure that health-support facilities remain available. The instructions include maintaining clean health facilities, keeping drinking water supplies covered, providing hand-washing stations and having medicine or eye drops available. Principals were also told to coordinate quickly, monitor official updates from the regional disaster agency and the meteorological agency, and immediately report emergencies at schools to the education department.

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Remote learning will take place from Sept. 7 to 9. All kindergarten, primary and junior high school principals should urge students, teachers and staff to wear masks when traveling to or from school and when outdoors.