Why West Java Governor's 6 AM School Start Plan Is Facing Public Backlash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has sparked controversy after proposing a policy mandating schools to start at 06:00 AM. The policy, which would also include a curfew for students and a Monday-to-Friday learning schedule, aims to instill discipline and moral character in students.

Dedi explained that the early start policy had already been implemented during his tenure as Regent of Purwakarta, and he claimed it did not pose any issues.

"There is no problem with the regulation since school days are only from Monday to Friday," he said.

A politician from the Gerindra Party, Dedi believes beginning school activities at 06:00 AM will foster an environment that shapes a healthy, moral, honest, intelligent, responsive, and quick-witted younger generation.

However, the proposal has triggered protests from a range of stakeholders, including civil society groups, parent communities, and teacher associations.

The National Coordinator of the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), Ubaid Matraji, voiced strong opposition, warning of the potential harm to students' health and well-being.

"Without sufficient nutrition, a child's concentration and focus on learning will definitely be disrupted. This can have a negative impact on their mood and learning abilities throughout the day," Ubaid said.

He emphasized that early start times could negatively affect students’ physical and mental health, particularly if they lack the time to properly prepare and eat a nutritious breakfast.

Similar concerns were echoed by the Association of Education and Teachers (P2G). Iman Zanatul Haeri, Head of P2G’s Teachers Advocacy Division, called for a more data-driven approach to policymaking. “(Formulating policies) should not be solely based on common sense, it should be based on studies,” he stated.

As a teacher himself, Iman also highlighted the practical challenges educators would face. With a 06:00 AM start, teachers would need to arrive at school by 5:00 AM to prepare—posing significant difficulties for those who live far from their schools, especially those relying on public transportation.

He urged the governor to create technical guidelines that offer solutions, including improved transportation access for teachers.

Parents have also expressed frustration. Cynthia, a mother of a second-grade student, questioned the practicality of the proposal, especially for working parents without domestic help.

"We have to figure out what time to start preparing just to get the kids to school and back," she said, adding that the early schedule would also take a toll on parents' mental and physical well-being.

As criticism mounts, public pressure is growing for Governor Dedi Mulyadi to reconsider and re-evaluate the proposed 06:00 AM school entry policy.

Dinda Shabrina and Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to the writing of this article.

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