Reflecting on SMAN 72 Jakarta Explosion and SMPN 19 South Tangerang Bullying Case, FSGI: Regulations Are Just Paper

Students carry shoes left behind in front of State Senior High School 72 Jakarta, Saturday (November 8, 2025), following the explosion on Friday (November 7). (ANTARA/Hafidz Mubarak A/nym)

JAKARTA – The Federation of Indonesian Teachers' Unions (FSGI) believes that schools are still not safe spaces for students. This assessment comes after two cases of student violence occurred in close proximity: a homemade bomb explosion at SMAN 72 Jakarta and the death of a student at SMPN 19 South Tangerang due to bullying.

FSGI Secretary General Fahriza Marta Tanjung believes that these two incidents demonstrate the weak implementation of Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 46 of 2023 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Educational Units.

"In the cases of SMPN 19 Tangsel and SMAN 72 Jakarta, it is clear that Permendikbudristek 46 of 2023 has not been implemented by the schools. It's a good regulation, but it's only on paper," Fahriza said in a statement on Wednesday, November 19.

The case in South Tangerang came to light after MH (13) experienced bullying during the school environment orientation period (MPLS). The violence continued for months, culminating in the victim being hit on the head with a metal chair. MH received medical treatment before his death.

"In all the incidents the victims experienced over the months, the school ignored them and failed to provide protection," said Fahriza.

Allegations of negligence also emerged in the case of the homemade bomb explosion at SMAN 72 Jakarta. Police reported that F, the Child in Conflict with the Law in the case, admitted to having experienced bullying and had reported it to the school, but the report was reportedly not followed up.

FSGI also highlighted the absence of the Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force (PPK) at the provincial and district/city levels. This is despite the fact that Permendikbudristek 46/2023 mandates the formation and active participation of such teams.

"In the two cases that resulted in deaths and dozens of injuries, the performance of the Tangsel City PPK Task Force or the DKI Jakarta Provincial PPK Task Force was not apparent. The principal of SMAN 72 Jakarta should have been investigated by the provincial PPK Task Force," said Fahriza.

FSGI believes the root of the problem lies in weak synergy between agencies and the absence of a secure reporting system for victims. Violence prevention efforts, they said, cannot be the sole responsibility of schools.

Through these two cases, FSGI is urging local governments to take several steps, including:

1. The South Tangerang City Government and the Jakarta Provincial Government must ensure that the Regional Task Force Team is truly working. The team, comprising members from the Education Office, the PPAPP Office, and the Social Service Office, must implement the mandate of Permendikbudristek 46/2023.

2. All schools are required to have an online complaint channel that protects the confidentiality of victims and witnesses, and is connected to other institutions such as the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAD), and related agencies.

3. Schools must participate in training to strengthen the PPK Team and principals so they understand the procedures for handling violence according to regulations.

4. The PPK Teams of SMPN 19 Tangsel and SMAN 72 Jakarta are requested to immediately develop prevention and response programs, including anti-bullying outreach, parenting classes, and teacher training to detect violence and help victims obtain psychological services.