The Jakarta Education Agency (Disdik) is cutting back school hours for students of all levels during Ramadan. The policy is designed to give students more breathing room to focus on their religious observances and engage in independent learning with their families.

Jakarta Education Agency Head, Nahdiana stated that the move is in sync with a joint circular issued by the central government through several ministries.

"We are aligning with the joint directives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home, and Ministry of Religious. We have issued our own circular to adjust the school clock," she said, at City Hall, Friday (2/20).

Under the new guidelines, school activities will wrap up earlier than usual, with a strict cut-off time of 2 PM. This earlier dismissal aims to encourage students to immerse themselves in community-based learning at their respective places of worship.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung noted that the Jakarta government is joining forces with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) to keep a lid on traffic congestion, particularly during the pre-Iftar rush.

"We're coordinating closely to manage the afternoon traffic flow as people head home to break their fast," he said.

Pramono pointed out that traffic patterns typically see a shift during Ramadan. The morning peak hour, which usually occurs between 6 AM and 7 AM, is expected to slide to 8 to 9 AM.

"I have instructed the Transportation Agency to be fully prepared. This is a routine occurrence, but we must stay ahead of the curve," he concluded.