Puan Asks For Justice For Supriyani's Teacher: Guidance Cannot Be Equated With Violence

The honorary teacher of SDN 4 Baito, Supriyani during the inaugural trial of the alleged abuse of her students at PN Andoolo, Thursday, October 24. (Between)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani hopes for justice for honorary Supriyani teachers who are accused of physical violence against students at SDN 4 Baito, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Puan is sad that many teachers are being sued by parents of students who do not accept their children are punished.

"Education cannot go well if teachers are constantly faced with excessive legal threats and disproportionate parental intervention. I hope there will be justice for Supriyani's teacher so that it does not become a bad precedent for the Indonesian education system," said Puan, Tuesday, October 29.

Supriyani was accused of physical violence against a student with the initials D (6), a local police son. These allegations dragged her to court and the trial was still ongoing. Supriyani was detained, although her detention was finally suspended by the prosecutor and the court.

Supriyani's case has attracted attention due to many irregularities when the honorary teacher has also firmly denied beating the complainant's child. Some irregularities include the inconsistency of the confession of the reporting child, to the testimony of a number of parties who contradict the accusations.

"It must be remembered that the duties of a teacher are not only as a teacher, but also caregivers, directors, and protectors of students in the school environment," said Puan.

Puan is concerned about the number of teachers who have been dragged into legal cases because disciplinary action against students is considered a violation. He highlighted the number of teachers being sued by parents because they did not accept that their children were given punishment.

"We agree that violence cannot be justified, especially for children. But keep in mind that coaching in the form of discipline cannot be equated with violence," said Puan.

"Teachers need space to educate decisively, disciplinely, and wisely without having to be afraid of outside pressure. Parents must trust the education process in schools," he added.

Reflecting on Supriyani's case, Puan reminded the importance of teachers being free from all forms of intimidation, especially from legal cases.

"Don't let there be intimidation of the legal process. Especially for those who are cornered," said Puan.

Recently, an attack occurred on the Baito sub-district head named Sudarsono, which Supriyani often was traveling in. Sudarsono's car was allegedly shot by an unknown person until the glass cracked. Luckily there were no casualties in the incident.

Sudarsono is known to have actively accompanied Supriyani during the legal process. Puan also encouraged the legal process of Supriyani's case to be carried out in a transparent and fair manner, especially since there was an alleged extortion under the pretext of peaceful money.

"We hope that there will be the fairest justice for Supriyani's teacher and all parties involved in this case. And we hope that peace can be realized," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also asked the Government to take preventive steps so that Supriyani's case does not happen again to other teachers. According to him, Indonesia needs an education system that ensures that teachers can play a professional role, without having to feel limited by threats of law or pressure from external parties.

"The government and society must work together to create a conducive environment for teachers to educate and guide students without fear," said Puan.