The Curfew Policy Proof That Dedi Mulyadi Doesn't Understand The Dynamics Of Youth Life

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA The National Coordinator of the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), Ubaid Matraji, assessed that the policy of implementing a curfew for students is a wrong decision and ignores the root of a more complex problem.

This policy actually shows failure in understanding the dynamics of teenagers' lives. Students are not only objects that need to be strictly regulated, but individuals who have social rights and needs," he said, Sunday, June 8, 2025.

According to him, this kind of approach has the potential to seize the space for students to move and creativity. He reminded that implementing a curfew means ignoring the root of the real problem. The reason is, juvenile delinquency or problems that are often associated with activities at night, such as brawls or promiscuity, are not purely because students are outside the home at certain hours.

"There are many other factors that contribute, such as a family environment that lacks attention, lack of facilities and positive activities, as well as economic and social problems," he added.

Ubaid is worried that the imposition of a curfew could actually cause conflict between students and the authorities, as well as trigger anxiety among parents.

This can also hinder positive activities carried out by students at night, such as additional tutoring or extracurricular activities.

He said, rather than imposing a curfew, the provincial and related agencies should focus more on preventive and educational efforts, such as strengthening the role of families and schools, providing more facilities and positive activities, and involving communities.

"Implementing a curfew without addressing the root of the problem will only be an ineffective short-term solution and will actually harm students' development," said Ubaid.

Previously, through the Circular Letter of the Governor of West Java Number 51/PA.03/Disdik, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi encouraged regents and mayors to coordinate the implementation of curfews for students up to the sub-district and village levels.

In this regulation, the West Java Provincial Government applies a curfew for students from 21.00 to 04.00 for elementary to upper middle education levels.

This is excluded from being able to carry out activities outside the home, including students who take part in activities from official schools or educational institutions, participating in religious and social activities in the residential environment with the knowledge of their parents, and if they are outside the house with their parents and related to emergency or disaster situations.

The SE also stipulates that students who violate the curfew rules will be recorded in the application system to be created and fostered for students who violate the curfew rules will be put into military barracks.

Dedi Mulyadi also emphasized that the West Java Provincial Government will not bear or provide assistance to students who are involved in delinquency with elements of violence, such as brawls and fights, during the curfew.