Immediate dismissal for staff committing violence against Sekolah Rakyat students

The Ministry of Social Affairs has confirmed that the sanction of dismissal or termination without a written warning mechanism applies absolutely to any educational staff, including teachers and dormitory supervisors at Sekolah Rakyat (SR), proven to have committed acts of violence against students.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf in Jakarta on Monday emphasised that this policy reflects the government’s seriousness in tackling all forms of physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying, and intolerance within the Sekolah Rakyat environment.

“We will not tolerate violence. If there is violence there, we will immediately dismiss the perpetrator. There will be no first warning letter, no second warning letter,” he said.

Saifullah explained that the strict rules prohibiting hazing and violence in any form have also been rigorously disseminated to all educational units, particularly during the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS).

The Ministry of Social Affairs, as the organiser of the programme, is fully committed to ensuring that the governance of Sekolah Rakyat can become a pioneer of a safe, child-friendly, and participatory boarding school ecosystem for children from underprivileged families.

As a preventive measure, each Sekolah Rakyat educational unit is now required to form a Violence Prevention and Handling Team (TPPK) to serve as the first line of reporting and response. This internal team is also supported by a special referral mechanism to provide psychological assistance to students showing signs of mental distress or trauma.

To ensure objective oversight, the Ministry of Social Affairs is openly inviting the wider community to monitor educational activities and report any indications of violations through the official hotline or call centre at 021-171.

Saifullah added that all reports received through the official complaints channel are guaranteed to be promptly followed up by a special team from the ministry to protect the students’ fundamental rights.

“We want the wider community to see firsthand how Sekolah Rakyat operates,” he said.