Highlighting The Case Of Students Killed By Bullying, DPR Asks The Ministry Of Education And Culture To Sanction Schools

JAKARTA - Member of Commission X DPR RI, Habib Syarief highlighted the death of a class VII student at SMP Negeri 1 Geyer, Angga Bagus Perwira, who is suspected of being a victim of bullying. Habib asked the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to impose sanctions on schools that failed to protect students from the practice of "bullying".

"We are very concerned about the death of a student named Angga. This is not only grief for the family, but also for the nation. This case must be investigated thoroughly and transparently without any being covered up," Habib told reporters, Monday, October 13.

"Anyone involved or letting go must be sanctioned. The principal must also be responsible for failing to create a safe school environment," he continued.

Habib emphasized that schools should be a safe, comfortable, and free from all forms of violence or bullying. He reminded the importance of school awareness and concern for the symptoms of bullying that arise in the educational environment.

"All parties in schools must have a strong commitment to eradicating bullying. Teachers and school principals must be observant about monitoring student behavior. Don't underestimate signs of bullying until students become victims," he said.

According to the family's confession to the media, Habib said, the victim had complained that he often experienced bullying both verbally and physically, and even several times he was reluctant to go to school for fear. Therefore, Habib reminded the school not to cover up this case.

Teachers and school principals should know if there are problems experienced by students. Don't close your eyes as if everything is fine, even though there are children who are victims. This attitude clearly violates the school's commitment to creating a sense of security for students," said Habib.

Moreover, added Habib, Angga was found dead in the VII classroom on Saturday, October 11 at around 11.00 WIB. Based on the testimony of his friends, the victim was involved in two fights with his classmate on the same day, before finally experiencing convulsions and death.

"Where are the teachers during class hours? Where is the school's supervision? If a case like this is not dealt with firmly, it will continue to be repeated and the other children will become victims. We urge all parties to commit to breaking the chain of bullying in schools," concluded Habib.