Legislator urges stronger bullying prevention in schools

A member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), M. Shadiq Pasadigoe, has pushed for stronger bullying prevention systems in schools, following the explosion at MAN 3 Padang in West Sumatra.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, Shadiq said the incident must serve as a lesson for the education sector so that schools become safe and comfortable spaces capable of protecting every student.

“If allegations of bullying are proven, then this is not merely an individual matter, but our collective responsibility,” he said.

According to him, parents, teachers, schools, the government, society and students need to work together to build an educational environment that upholds human dignity.

He said bullying, no matter how small, must never be dismissed as a joke or part of normal social dynamics, as it can affect the victim’s psychological condition and has the potential to trigger unwanted actions.

He said the anti-bullying team should involve the school principal, guidance and counselling teachers, psychologists, the school committee, parents and student representatives.

Every school is also expected to have an easily accessible bullying reporting centre that guarantees the confidentiality of those reporting, and provides psychological support and swift resolution.

In addition, he proposed the formation of anti-bullying ambassadors or peer buddies as agents of change to foster a culture of mutual respect and protection within the school environment.

“Children must have a space to be heard. They must feel that when facing a problem, there is always a teacher, parent or friend ready to help,” he said.

Previously, spokesperson for the police’s Special Detachment (Densus) 88 counter-terrorism unit, Senior Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, said the suspected perpetrator of the explosion at MAN 3 Padang on Tuesday (14/7) was a 17-year-old student.

According to Mayndra, school security officers had earlier discovered an object suspected to be an improvised bomb within the school grounds.

Police also revealed that the suspect is believed to have intended to vent his emotions after experiencing bullying over many years. This allegation remains part of the ongoing investigation.