Student Bullying Case In Bekasi Viral, Police Intervene

BEKASI - The case of bullying of junior high school students in Bekasi has resurfaced and went viral on social media. A 16-second video shows the physical violence experienced by six students at SMP Negeri 1 Tambun Selatan, Bekasi Regency, West Java. Not accepting their children as victims, parents reported the incident to the police.

The incident is known to have occurred outside the school environment on Wednesday, October 8. The crime scene is known to be about 1 kilometer from the school location.

In the footage circulating, it can be seen that six class VIII students were forced to squat in a narrow alley. They took punches and kicks from a number of other students who were still in school, allegedly their classmate.

The school through the public relations of SMPN 1 Tambun Selatan, Giyatna, confirmed reports of bullying between students. He emphasized that the incident took place outside of teaching and learning activities, so that schools did not have direct authority to impose severe sanctions.

"Last night we received a complaint from parents that their child was a victim by their seniors. We have brought together the two parties at the school mosque pavilion, but no solution has been found," explained Giyatna.

He added, if mediation does not produce results, this case will become the realm of law enforcement.

"We received information that the victim's parents had made a report to the Police and Polres," he added.

According to Giyatna, according to Permendikbud Number 44 of 2023, schools cannot issue students except in three serious violations, namely murder, drugs, and imprisonment.

"Schools are educational places, not punishment. However, there will still be coaching steps according to school rules violations," he said.

Currently, the South Tambun Police together with the Women and Children Service Unit (PPA) of the Bekasi Metro Police are investigating the case. The police have examined a number of witnesses and victims, including six Class IX students suspected of being the perpetrators.

As a result of this incident, the victims experienced psychological pressure and were reluctant to participate in teaching and learning activities in schools. Parents hope that the authorities provide maximum protection and ensure that the case of bullying of junior high school students in Bekasi becomes a lesson so that bullying does not occur in the educational environment anymore.