Natalius Pigai: Troubled Student Education At The TNI Barak Does Not Violate Human Rights

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said the West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi program related to education for problematic students in military barracks did not violate human rights standards because it was not a form of physical punishment.

"What the West Java Provincial Government is doing is not corporate punishment (physical punishment), but part of the formation of children's characters, mentality, and responsibilities. So, of course, it does not violate human rights standards," Pigai said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 5.

Pigai explained that physical punishment is the use of physical violence that causes pain or discomfort in children as a form of punishment or discipline.

"The type of punishment is not good for children," he said.

He then mentioned that his shape could vary, such as hitting, slapping, or using hard objects to beat children. This is controversial because of its negative impact on children's physical and mental health.

However, Pigai assessed that the policy of the Governor of West Java, which had begun to be implemented, was not included in the category of physical punishment.

According to him, as long as education involves mental development, character, and value, it is in accordance with human rights principles and standards.

Previously, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi rolled out a plan to "beat up" problematic students in the province to be educated in military barracks starting May 2, 2025.

When reviewing the implementation of the program in Purwakarta, Saturday (3/5), Dedi said that character development for students at the Armed 1/Stira Yudha/1 Army Headquarters in Purwakarta Regency had a positive impact on increasing student discipline.

"This program (the development of student characters at the TNI headquarters) has a positive impact on increasing student discipline," said Dedi.

Dedi explained that this disciplinary program has been followed by students from various districts and cities in West Java, as part of efforts to reduce juvenile delinquency.

In the future, he said, the program will be expanded to the SLTA level, including teenagers who have been identified as having violated discipline.

Through this program, according to Dedi, students will get a number of additional materials from various elements as part of comprehensive coaching in shaping strong and positive characters.