DPR Commission X Urges Special Task Force to Investigate Child Grooming Case Involving Principal in South Tangerang

The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Lalu Hadrian Irfani, has expressed serious concern regarding allegations of child grooming in South Tangerang. Speaking on Monday, he emphasised that schools must remain safe and comfortable environments for students, condemning any abuse of power by educators.

“The child grooming modus operandi is extremely dangerous because it involves psychological approaches and emotional manipulation of children,” said Lalu. He noted that violence in schools, including sexual abuse, remains a serious challenge with increasingly complex patterns. He stressed that the government’s regulation, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Regulation Number 6 of 2026 concerning a Safe and Comfortable School Culture, must be strictly implemented.

Lalu proposed the formation of a special task force to investigate the South Tangerang case, which should include representatives from the school, the education office, psychologists, child advocates, and law enforcement if criminal elements are discovered. He argued that this approach is essential to ensure that handling the issue focuses not only on sanctions but also on the protection and recovery of students.

Currently, the South Tangerang police are investigating allegations of psychological manipulation by a principal, identified by the initials AMA, against a student at a private vocational high school (SMK) in Pamulang. AMA has been questioned by authorities.

AKP Wira Graha Setiawan, Head of Criminal Investigation at the South Tangerang Police, confirmed that AMA arrived at the station to consult on the reports circulating on social media and was interrogated by the Women and Children Protection (PPA) unit until late Saturday night. While the investigation is ongoing, the victim has not yet filed an official police report. Wira clarified that the police are not facilitating any mediation and are focused solely on uncovering the facts of the case.