Minister of Basic and Secondary Education: Academic Ranking System Fuels School Bullying

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti outlined several triggers, including academic ranking systems that could foster bullying among students. He stressed that the success of educational services depends on creating a safe and comfortable physical and social environment, enabling all students to learn effectively. ‘Safety includes both social and psychological security, as our schools are often still not sufficiently safe socially,’ said Minister Mu’ti during the Safe and Comfortable School Culture Seminar at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education’s Building A in Central Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026. Regarding this, he noted that academic ranking creates comparison among students, often leading to bullying. ‘For example, when older students can’t solve simple problems while younger ones can, it’s unhealthy,’ Mu’ti said. Such a shift in perspective, he added, is being implemented by the ministry through deep learning policies. The first key principle of deep learning implementation is to honour all parties involved in teaching and learning. ‘Therefore, there is a reality where our approach to students must change; the way we deliver knowledge cannot be separated from values and respect, which must be extended to all,’ he said.