KPAI Asks Anies To Hire A Psychologist In Each School

KPAI press conference on the needs of psychologists in each school (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) asked DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to assign one educational psychologist to each public school in Jakarta.

This is because suicides in the scope of schools have occurred several times in Jakarta, not only among students at a SMPN in Ciracas, East Jakarta, some time ago. In November 2019 there was also a similar case at one of the SMPNs in Pademangan, North Jakarta.

Based on the results of Nova Riyanti Yusuf's research, it was revealed that 5 percent of the 910 students of SMAN and SMKN accredited A in Jakarta had suicidal thoughts. Meanwhile, 3 percent of them have attempted suicide.

"KPAI encourages Jakarta to have one psychologist per school, so that it can help children and teachers who have problems," said KPAI Commissioner for Education Retno Listyarti at the KPAI Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Thursday, January 30.

But, said Retno, the psychologist in question was not just a counseling guidance teacher (BK). "The psychologist we mean is an educational psychologist who helps children and teachers who have learning problems, both from the learning factor itself and external factors," he said.

Based on KPAI records, on average one BK teacher holds 150 children. Sitty Hikmawaty, the Commissioner for Health and Drugs, said that BK teachers are often overwhelmed in carrying out their duties.

"Besides he (the counseling teacher) plans a student counseling program every year, he also takes care of cases. So the task is already tough. Indeed, the BK teacher's job is to provide guidance to students both in learning and outside, but so many students overwhelm them," explained Sitty .

In fact, said Sitty, the psychological problems of students who were detected at risk of suicide were quite complex. The factors can come from school problems, gender, parental education, parental work, divorce status, ethnicity, father's presence, mother's presence, religious beliefs, and depression.

"Moreover, the psychological side of children during their growth and development period is sometimes difficult for teachers to understand because of the far age gap. So, it requires the role of a psychologist with deeper knowledge," said Sitty.

In addition, Retno Listyarti said that KPAI would immediately write an official letter to the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan regarding this matter. However, they will first collect data that corroborates the recommendations for the procurement of educational psychologists.

"We will explain it to the governor to influence this policy. Second, we want to continue it to the DPRD as well. Given that the addition of a psychologist is related to budget issues," said Retno.

KPAI data, there are about 2000 public SD in Jakarta, 350 SMP, 117 SMA and SMK 70 schools. With this amount, Retno is sure Anies can budget for the placement of a psychologist for each school.

"In the past, when I was the principal of the school, I still returned the budget money at the end of the year around Rp. 400 million because of excess. There are other schools too," said Retno.

"Instead of the excess and then returning it back, this can also be used to pay for psychologists. I am sure, with a budget of tens of trillions each year, DKI can afford to pay psychologists." he added.