Ministry of Social Affairs asserts Sekolah Rakyat must be free from bullying and violence

There must be no bullying, no physical or sexual violence, and no intolerance.

Sumedang (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has asserted that Sekolah Rakyat will not tolerate bullying, physical and sexual violence, or acts of intolerance against students or any other members of the school community.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, speaking in Sumedang on Thursday, stated that these three issues must be prevented because Sekolah Rakyat is intended to be a safe educational environment for children from various backgrounds.

“There must be no bullying, no physical and sexual violence, and no intolerance,” he said.

He emphasised that strict sanctions will be imposed on headteachers, teachers, and educational staff who are proven to have committed such acts against students while performing their duties within the Sekolah Rakyat environment.

The Minister also urged students to report immediately if they experience harassment or violence, including instances where someone touches their body without permission, so that action can be taken promptly.

According to him, such protection is vital because Sekolah Rakyat students come from diverse backgrounds, and some are survivors of violence who require appropriate guidance and support.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has also requested the support of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to help strengthen student discipline, particularly during the initial period of education, as Sekolah Rakyat implements a 24-hour education and care system.

He emphasised that all teachers, dormitory wardens, caregivers, and educational staff must prioritise empathy and serve as role models to ensure that Sekolah Rakyat remains a safe educational environment for all students.