NTT middle school teacher's hugging and kissing of pupils goes viral; deemed inappropriate
Rusly Lingu Djara (34), a teacher at SMP Negeri 2 Sabu Timur, Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT), went viral on social media after a video he posted on Instagram account @Honeyliwe. In the post, a narration described an abnormal relationship between a teacher and underage pupils without a blood relation, involving hugs, kisses, and even overnight stays. The account also called for the attention of the Sabu Raijua Regency Government.
Rusly said he was shocked when he first saw the post. He felt the posting labelled him as someone not fit to be a teacher.
“On first seeing the post on Instagram, to be honest I was shocked, because the video went viral and was described as untrue,” Rusly said in a telephone interview on Wednesday (4 June 2026).
He explained that, besides teaching, he is also a content creator who often records various moments on his social media accounts.
“I have become used to posting videos with children all this time, especially on Facebook Pro. I was also asked by some parents of the children why they said it; they felt sorry for others who do not know anything but could post such things,” he said.
Rusly said that within the school environment and among parents of pupils, he is known as a teacher who is strict yet affectionate towards students.
“I am known for being close to the children. In addition, I am also known as a strict teacher. If a pupil does not make a mistake, I am good with my pupils and with all pupils,” he concluded.
According to Rusly, the viral video was recorded after school hours. Of the several students in the video, one is his adopted child.
“I am very close to those children because I am the OSIS adviser; I and the children usually run OSIS fund-raising drives and the pupils also come to my house,” he said.
He emphasised that he never described the actions in the video as part of local adat or culture.
“I always tell the children that if they want to come to my house there must be parental permission. I never say what I do is Sabu adat,” he added.
Rusly was troubled by the social media post and said the truth of it needs to be tested.
“To be frank, what is seen may not necessarily be true, so please ask me at the school or about my pupils to understand what kind of person they are. I also posted the viral video on my Facebook; I did not post only that, and I am also close to the children,” he said.
Awaiting Education Department Investigation
Rusly said he has not given an official clarification yet as he awaits an investigation from the Education Department.
“We had a meeting, and the principal conveyed that there is an instruction from the Regent’s Secretary to school supervisors to check the matter. Why I have not clarified it is because I am waiting for an examination from the education department or supervisors,” he explained.
He urged the public to be wise when using social media and not to rush to conclude events.
“I hope netizens will be wiser when using social media. Do not quickly draw negative conclusions,” he added.
Separately, the Secretary to the Regional Government (Sekda) of Sabu Raijua Regency, Septenius Bule Logo, said they had instructed the Education Department to conduct a review of the school.
“We have instructed the Secretariat of Education to pay attention to and investigate this matter,” Septenius wrote in a WhatsApp message.
(dpw/dpw)