Many Cases Of Child Bullying, Puan Encourages More Anti-Bullying Programs

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JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the Government and stakeholders in the field of education to increase supervision in the process of the aftermath of rampant cases of bullying by teenagers. He also encouraged the Government to increase anti-bullying programs in schools.

"The rise of bullying cases carried out by minors must be a joint evaluation. The government and related parties must tighten supervision in the educational environment, especially in schools," said Puan, Friday (13/9/2024).

Several cases of bullying involving minors include bullying that befell vocational public school students in Gorontalo. The victim was allegedly hacked and forced to drink liquor by several other students in the school environment.

In addition, a tragic incident happened to a junior high school student in Palembang, South Sumatra. The 13-year-old girl was raped until she finally died by 4 perpetrators who were friends. The age of the perpetrator ranges from 12 to 16 years.

Not long ago, bullying also occurred at a junior high school in Gowa, South Sulawesi, where a student was abused by his classmate until he collapsed. The video of the violent bullying went viral on social media.

Puan pun menyatakan, masih banyak kasus perundungan pada anak membuktikan masih ada yang kurang pada sistem pendidikan di Indonesia.

What the root of the problem is, and a comprehensive solution. The problem of bullying in schools needs to be addressed from upstream to downstream, and of course it needs to involve cross-sectors. Whether it's education, the child protection sector, health for psychological matters, to the legal field," he explained.

Puan assessed that the anti-bullying program in schools should be further reproduced. In particular, he encouraged the Government to create a special education program to overcome bullying problems in schools.

"For example, routine education to students about the dangers of bullying which has a big risk both for victims and perpetrators. Including socialization about threats that can be obtained from bullying behavior," said Puan.

"The more often children get information about the impact of bullying, we hope that children's bullying at school can be suppressed. So that children also understand what types are included in the bullying category because small bullying is often considered normal," he added.

Schools are considered to be able to involve external parties who act as a form of coaching. For example, anti-drug institutions, psychologists and education influencers.

"Children also need to be given more space to do creativity so that the time can be done more useful activities," explained Puan.

Outside of academic education, Puan said that the Government needs to expand its activity programs for school children.

"Such as sports and arts competitions, or leadership education activities and activities that can support other achievements," said Bung Karno's grandson.

"With so many activities, children's literacy will certainly increase. So that children can have good behavior and thoughts. Children can also develop towards a more positive direction," added Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture emphasized that the protection of children and adolescents in schools must be a top priority for all parties. Puan encourages the creation of child-friendly schools.

Schools are places where children and adolescents should feel safe, study, and develop well. In school, children not only gain knowledge, but also a place to find their identity. So any form of violence should not occur in school," he said.

Puan said the State cannot allow Indonesian children and adolescents to grow up in an environment that gives them fear because of bullying. Schools should be a vehicle for fun growth and development.

"This is a problem that requires a holistic approach, involving all parties, including schools, the government together with the DPR, parents, and various elements of other communities, especially those that focus on the world of education," said Puan.

"Everyone must collaborate and work together to create a healthy environment and education for children. We must be committed to presenting child-friendly schools so that our children as future national leaders can grow into a superior generation," he concluded.