It has been more than a year that Covid-19 Pandemic has hit the world and has caused prolonged negative social impacts such as dropping out of school, decreasing learning achievement, violence against children, and other external risks.  

Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) Nadiem Anwar Makarim in the announcement of the Joint Decree (SKB) of the Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri), Minister of Health (Menkes), and Minister of Religion (Menag) regarding Guidelines for Implementation of Learning in the Covid-19 Pandemic Period, has explained the principle that became the main consideration in the implementation of education during the Covid-19 pandemic was health and safety as well as child development and rights. The Minister of Education and Culture expressed his gratitude to the residents of the education unit who continue to work hand in hand to ensure that this principle is upheld during so many challenges. 

Indonesia is one of four countries in the eastern Asia and Pacific region that have not conducted full face-to-face learning. While 23 other countries have. UNICEF said that children who cannot directly access schools are increasingly left behind and the greatest impact is felt by the most marginalized children.  

Since July 2020, the government has issued various policies as part of an effort to reduce the long-term negative impact due to the absence of face-to-face learning. These policies include (1) the Decree of the Four Ministers which regulates the implementation of face-to-face learning (PTM) with conditions only for the green zone. 

(2) The Decree of the Four Ministers that regulates the implementation of PTM with conditions only for the green and yellow zones; and (3) adjustment of the four ministerial decree that allows PTM for education units that meet all tiered requirements if they have obtained permission from the regional government, regardless of zoning. 

According to The World Bank, school closures around the world are estimated to result in the loss of at least US$10 trillion in lifetime income for the current school-age generation. The World Health Organization also states that school closures have a negative impact on the development of health, education, family income, and the world economy.