BONTANG – The head of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) in Bontang, Dasuki, has proposed changing the hours of the Wajib Belajar (Wajar) malam program. In his suggestion, he recommends that the program start at 20:00 and end at 22:00 Wita, instead of the current start time of 19:00. This proposal was made as a form of support for the government's policy aimed at regulating student activities during the night and creating a conducive learning environment at home.
Dasuki stated that the current timing is not relevant to the situation on the ground, especially since many students are still engaged in prayers or other activities at 19:00. "If it’s at 7 PM, surely there are still some who are praying or just finishing up their activities. I think the Wajar program is best starting from 20:00 to 22:00 Wita," he said on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Furthermore, PGRI Bontang strongly suggests that the learning time be changed, emphasizing that children should begin to rest after 22:00 Wita to support good sleeping habits and waking up early. “We fully support this program because its aim is to discipline children and provide a better learning space in the evening. If the government agrees, we would be very pleased as this is just about the time frame,” he added.
Dasuki also highlighted the importance of a more comprehensive approach in implementing this policy. He noted that besides enforcement by authorities such as the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), there is a need for social and economic approaches as well. He pointed out that many children in Bontang work at night due to economic pressures. “Some children help out in food stalls at night, so the approach should not be solely punitive, but there must also be social and economic solutions. This way, the community can feel more at ease, and educational goals can be achieved,” he stated.
Moreover, Dasuki emphasized that education is not solely the responsibility of schools; it also involves families and the surrounding community. Responding to this, Saparuddin, the Acting Head of the Education and Culture Department (Disdikbud) in Bontang, acknowledged that Dasuki's proposal is valuable feedback for the department. However, he reminded that alongside the Wajar program's current schedule of 19:21, the government has already adjusted to existing regulations.
“After 21:00 Wita, it falls under public order regulations, so we may need to evaluate first to avoid overlapping rules,” he concluded. The proposal from PGRI Bontang reflects a growing concern among educators and community leaders about the balance between educational policies and the realities faced by students and their families.
As the debate continues, the community remains hopeful that any adjustments made will not only enhance educational outcomes but also address the social and economic challenges that many families face. The Wajar program, aimed at improving educational access and discipline among students, is a crucial part of the local government's strategy to foster a better learning environment.