Headline: The contentious debate on extending school holidays to a full month during Ramadan
In a move that’s sparking widespread discussion, the possibility of extending school holidays to a full month during Ramadan has been tossed into the educational spectrum, gathering varied responses from students, parents, teachers, and educational experts alike.
Currently, the educational system provides students with holidays at the beginning and end of Ramadan, coinciding with the celebration of Idul Fitri. This policy, implemented during the era of President Soeharto, fell by the wayside but was revived by President Megawati Soekarnoputri and remains in effect today.
The recent proposal to extend these holidays to encompass the entire month of Ramadan emerged following Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar’s announcement that pondok pesantren, Islamic boarding schools, would indeed take a month-long break. However, for public and private schools under the Ministry of Religion, this remains a topic of discussion, with students advised to await official announcements.
Bukik Setiawan, Chairman of the Guru Belajar Foundation, cautions that such a decision warrants consideration from all angles. "When schools are closed, children are at home while their parents continue working," he told detikEdu, raising concerns about the lack of meaningful activities and increased digital technology use during the prolonged holiday. He also noted the additional strain this places on parents, many of whom juggle work and childcare responsibilities.
Advocating for flexible school durations, Setiawan suggests that schools should have the autonomy to adapt to local conditions and students’ needs, rather than implementing a blanket policy nationwide. Suggested alternatives include reducing teaching hours or expanding other educational activities, as well as organizing reflection and wellness sessions during Ramadan.
While the debate on extending Ramadan holidays continues, one thing is clear: stakeholders must weigh the potential impacts on students’ education, family lives, and overall well-being before a final decision is made.
