'Children shouldn't be exposed to brutal clips'

SCTV television recently aired disturbing footage of violence at the Public Administration Institute (STPDN). The footage, shot in June, showed STPDN senior students kicking and beating their juniors. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people about the footage.

Alia, 30, works at company in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. She lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with her family:

I think SCTV violated journalistic ethics by broadcasting the footage so often and at times when children would be expected to be watching TV.

However, I personally agree with SCTV's decision to broadcast the footage because the public has the right to such information.

If it was never exposed, I'm afraid the violence would continue at the institute.

And by broadcasting the footage, other educational institutions will realize that such violence is no longer tolerable.

However, SCTV has blown up the matter. The station should not just consider ratings, but also the impact of the footage.

I'm sure the footage will haunt those former students traumatized by their time at the school. I think it is time for SCTV to stop showing the footage.

Erni, 26, is a shop attendant at the Ambassador shopping mall in South Jakarta. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, with her family:

I thing the footage was aired to alert the public about the real situation on the campus.

After watching the footage, I'm sure everyone will think twice before enrolling a family member at the institute. I'm sure parents don't want to pay for their children's education only to have them beaten by older students.

I salute SCTV for airing the footage and confronting the state-run institute.

Alfa, 30, is an instructor at fitness center in South Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Otista in East Jakarta with his family:

I think it was indecent to broadcast the footage. I heard some kids commenting on it, saying it was sadistic.

I suggest SCTV not broadcast the footage at times when children are likely to be watching. They shouldn't be exposed to brutality.

However, I realize that the public has the right to this information. It's part of efforts to put an end to the violence.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.