KPAI: Child Persecution Case in Kramat, Central Jakarta a Danger Alarm for Bullying

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has highlighted a child persecution case occurring in Kramat Urban Village, Central Jakarta, as a loud alarm for the child protection system in Indonesia. KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono stated that bullying behaviour among children is increasingly leading to high-risk actions that endanger lives. Aris confirmed that his party has coordinated with the Central Jakarta Police and the Central Jakarta UPTD PPA to ensure the handling of this case proceeds within legal corridors. The handling must be guided by the Child Protection Law and the Juvenile Justice System Law. “KPAI views this case as showing that bullying behaviour among children is increasingly pointing towards high-risk and life-threatening actions. This phenomenon must serve as an alarm for families, schools, society, and the government,” Aris told Media Indonesia on Thursday (11/6). He emphasised that the current main priority is the comprehensive recovery of the victim. The victim must receive rights to health services, psychological assistance, social rehabilitation, as well as legal aid and security guarantees to prevent revictimisation or negative stigma from the surrounding environment. Regarding the legal process, KPAI encourages law enforcement officials to act professionally. Considering that both the victim and the perpetrator are still minors, Aris stressed the importance of the principle of the best interests of the child without ignoring legal responsibility. “The status as a minor must not be used as a reason to normalise or ignore acts of violence committed. The state must be present to protect the victim while ensuring the perpetrator receives an appropriate guidance process so they do not repeat their actions,” he asserted. KPAI also reminded that bullying is not merely ordinary mischief, but a form of violence with legal consequences and long-term psychological impacts. Aris asked local governments down to the neighbourhood level to strengthen supervision through Community-Based Integrated Protection Teams. In addition to physical supervision, KPAI encourages the strengthening of community-based character education. Children need to be equipped with empathy skills and literacy regarding the risks of dangerous actions so they can resolve conflicts without violence.