2 Schools Sealed in Tanah Datar, National Human Rights Commission Urges Local Government and Conflicting Parties to Immediately Find Concrete Solutions

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Representative of West Sumatra emphasized that the case of sealing two schools in Tanah Datar Regency should not ignore children's right to education.

"From this case, we can see that the state has three obligations, namely protecting, respecting and fulfilling human rights, including the right to education," said Head of the National Human Rights Commission, West Sumatra Representative, Sultanul in Padang, as reported by Antara, Thursday, November 9.

Considering that education is one of the rights that must be fulfilled, protected and respected by the state, Komnas HAM urges regional governments and the conflicting parties to immediately find concrete solutions.

He emphasized that the case of sealing State Junior High School (SMPN) 2 Batusangkar and State Elementary School (SDN) 20 Baringin in Tanah Datar Regency should not compromise the rights of students guaranteed by law.

"Komnas HAM encourages this case to be resolved immediately so that there is no violation of the right to education," he said.

So far this agency has not received any complaints, either from people who claim to be land owners or from representatives of the Tanah Datar Regency Government. Sultanul said that Komnas HAM would continue to study the case, including investigating whether there were indications of human rights violations or not.

The West Sumatra National Human Rights Commission also provided advice to schools to carry out distance (online) learning if the building sealing continues.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi regretted the action of sealing two educational units in Tanah Datar Regency. Moreover, the incident hampered or disrupted the teaching and learning process.

"What is clear is that education cannot be disrupted. The parties involved must sit down together and find a solution," he said.

Acting Head of the Tanah Datar Regency Education Service, Inhendri Abas, said that the local government had decided to implement the teaching and learning process at SMPN 2 Batusangkar and SDN 20 Baringin online.

He is concerned that there is pushing and shoving between students and parties who claim to be land owners. Moreover, there are students who have to receive medical treatment. The relevant department appealed to parents to be patient and not be provoked in facing this polemic.