KPAI Asks Suspected Perpetrators Of Deadly Bullying For MTs Kotamobagu Students To Get Psychological Rehabilitation

JAKARTA - Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Retno Listyarti asked the alleged perpetrators of bullying an MTs student in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, to death, not only to be brought to justice.

The nine alleged perpetrators who are school friends of the victim, said Retno, also need to receive psychological rehabilitation by the local Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (PPPA).

"The nine children suspected of being the perpetrators are entitled to psychological rehabilitation so that the perpetrators realize their mistakes and will not repeat their actions," said Retno in her statement, Thursday, June 16.

Retno views that the mistreatment of the 13-year-old student is a mistake that does not stand alone, but is strongly influenced by the environment, both in family upbringing and relationships in the school and community environment.

This kind of physical bullying, continued Retno, generally does not happen suddenly, but is a long process, usually preceded by verbal bullying, then continues to escalate until physical violence occurs as in this case.

Therefore, Retno asked the Ministry of Religion to evaluate the Mts and also make regulations to prevent bullying cases from happening again.

"This incident should be a momentum for the Ministry of Religion to make regulations for the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the prevention and handling of violence in the education unit environment," said Retno.

As is known, the abuse case began when the victim was going to the prayer room to pray on Wednesday, June 8. When he entered the prayer room, the victim was caught and thrown to the floor by his friends. The victim's hands were held, the face was covered with a prayer mat and the victim's body was kicked.

After the incident, the victim was taken to a hospital in Manado on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Unfortunately, the victim's life was not saved and died on June 12, 2022.

Now, the nine suspected perpetrators are undergoing examination at the Kotamanggu Police. Currently, the examination has been upgraded to an investigation. The alleged perpetrator is suspected of violating Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.