Rika Susi Waty, a mathematics teacher at 7 Padang State Junior High School (SMP), was contacted by President Jokowi some time ago via a video call to be asked about the learning process amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The video of Buk Rika being contacted by Jokowi can be seen on the State Secretariat account on Youtube which was published on Friday (10 September 2020) yesterday.
At the beginning of the video call, Jokowi stated that Indonesia had been facing the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic for six months.
Then, Jokowi asked Ms. Rika what she thought of the online learning system that was implemented in schools.
“Honestly, yes, sir. As for the learning, sir, so far we are still teaching, but we cannot monitor whether a child is capable or not, yes. Because we can’t do that right away, Sir, ”answered Ms.Rika.
Jokowi also asked again whether all the students taught by Ms. Rika at school had cellphones.
“Those who don’t have a cellphone happen to have the correct data on their children, then we check their children at home.
We can’t afford it, so we facilitate it to school, sir.
Use a school computer. Few people, not many, sir. In our school, there are two people, Sir, ”explained Ms. Rika.
In online learning systems, parents play an important role.
Jokowi also asked how Ms.Rika communicated with the students’ parents and guardians.
Ms. Rika said that communication with students’ parents was carried out via the WhatsApp group.
If there are students who have problems in learning, she will provide a schedule every Friday to students, in turn, to come to school.
Not to forget, on this occasion, Buk Rika conveyed her hopes to Jokowi and left a message to the Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Makarim.
“We want it, yes, face-to-face if possible, sir. Maybe, we don’t share the per shift much.
If that’s possible. Because it is really sad, Sir, the children don’t know, many don’t know (understand learning), Sir, ”to Ms. Rika.
In front of Jokowi, through a video call, Buk Rika revealed that she sometimes cried because there were poor parents.
Even though they have an Android phone, they cannot afford the internet quota.
On that occasion, Jokowi said that the learning process should be done face to face.
However, because the situation is currently in the Covid-19 pandemic, the face-to-face learning process risks exposing students to Covid-19.
“Buk Rika, keep up the spirit, keep up the spirit, and greet all the children,” said Jokowi.
