Child Persecution Case in Jakarta Reflects Unbroken Cycle of Bullying

A case of persecution against a six-year-old child, identified as MWP, at Taman Kramat Pulo by two teenagers has once again highlighted the recurring phenomenon of bullying among Indonesian children and adolescents. National University sociologist Sigit Rohadi assessed that bullying is not a behaviour that appears suddenly, but rather a product of complex social dynamics.

‘The causes of bullying are very complex. Nonetheless, the need for recognition, both social status and control, is the most dominant,’ Sigit told Media Indonesia on Thursday (11/6).

He explained that childhood and adolescence is a period of identity searching influenced by three main factors: family, school, and peer groups. In the context of bullying, peer influence is the greatest. Some teenagers bully to show dominance over a territory and ensure their environment is under their control.

Sigit also revealed a frequent irony: bullying perpetrators are often victims of bullying in another setting. An individual who loses in one environment, for instance at school, will seek an outlet in another environment where they feel stronger. ‘Such teenagers are both victims and perpetrators of bullying and they build a confusing cycle,’ said Sigit.

Beyond peer factors, he said, the family environment also plays a major role in producing bullying perpetrators. Harsh parenting styles that involve shaming, mocking, or belittling a child have significant potential to shape bullying behaviour in the child later in life.

Bullying is also often triggered by differences, be it body size, mental condition, race, religion, clothing style, socioeconomic status, or gender identity. Popular teenagers or those from powerful groups sometimes bully to protect or enhance their social status.

To suppress this behaviour, Sigit encouraged the expansion of healthy competition, from the neighbourhood level up to the sub-district level. Children need to get used to competing and cooperating under clear rules so that social recognition is based on achievement, rather than on dominance and violence. ‘Children must be accustomed to competing and cooperating healthily with clear rules, so that recognition of someone is based on achievement,’ Sigit concluded.